Diazole lactams

ABSTRACT

Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of the CCR1 receptor, and have in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds are diazole lactam derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of CCR1-mediated disease, and as controls in assays for the identification of competitive CCR1 antagonists.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/831,700 filed Jun. 6, 2013 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/734,705 filed Dec. 7, 2012, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSOREDRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositionscontaining one or more of those compounds or their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, which are effective in inhibiting the binding ofvarious chemokines, such as MIP-1α, leukotactin, MPIF-1 and RANTES, tothe CCR1 receptor. As antagonists or modulators for the CCR1 receptor,the compounds and compositions have utility in treating inflammatory andimmune disorder conditions and diseases.

Human health depends on the body's ability to detect and destroy foreignpathogens that might otherwise take valuable resources from theindividual and/or induce illness. The immune system, which comprisesleukocytes (white blood cells (WBCs): T and B lymphocytes, monocytes,macrophages granulocytes, NK cell, mast cells, dendritic cell, andimmune derived cells (for example, osteoclasts)), lymphoid tissues andlymphoid vessels, is the body's defense system. To combat infection,white blood cells circulate throughout the body to detect pathogens.Once a pathogen is detected, innate immune cells and cytotoxic T cellsin particular are recruited to the infection site to destroy thepathogen. Chemokines act as molecular beacons for the recruitment andactivation of immune cells, such as lymphocytes, monocytes andgranulocytes, identifying sites where pathogens exist.

Despite the immune system's regulation of pathogens, certaininappropriate chemokine signaling can develop and has been attributed totriggering or sustaining inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoidarthritis, multiple sclerosis and others. For example, in rheumatoidarthritis, unregulated chemokine accumulation in bone joints attractsand activates infiltrating macrophages and T-cells. The activities ofthese cells induce synovial cell proliferation that leads, at least inpart, to inflammation and eventual bone and cartilage loss (see,DeVries, M. E., et al., Semin Immunol 11(2):95-104 (1999)). A hallmarkof some demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis is thechemokine-mediated monocyte/macrophage and T cell recruitment to thecentral nervous system (see, Kennedy, et al., J. Clin. Immunol.19(5):273-279 (1999)). Chemokine recruitment of destructive WBCs totransplants has been implicated in their subsequent rejection. See,DeVries, M. E., et al., ibid. Because chemokines play pivotal roles ininflammation and lymphocyte development, the ability to specificallymanipulate their activity has enormous impact on ameliorating andhalting diseases that currently have no satisfactory treatment. Inaddition, transplant rejection may be minimized without the generalizedand complicating effects of costly immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals.

Chemokines, a group of greater than 40 small peptides (7-10 kD), ligatereceptors expressed primarily on WBCs or immune derived cells, andsignal through G-protein-coupled signaling cascades to mediate theirchemoattractant and chemostimulant functions. Receptors may bind morethan one ligand; for example, the receptor CCR1 ligates RANTES(regulated on activation normal T cell expressed), MIP-1α (macrophageinflammatory protein), MPIF-1/CKβ8, and Leukotactin chemokines (amongothers with lesser affinities). To date, 24 chemokine receptors areknown. The sheer number of chemokines, multiple ligand bindingreceptors, and different receptor profiles on immune cells allow fortightly controlled and specific immune responses. See, Rossi, et al.,Ann. Rev. Immunol. 18(1):217-242 (2000). Chemokine activity can becontrolled through the modulation of their corresponding receptors,treating related inflammatory and immunological diseases and enablingorgan and tissue transplants.

The receptor CCR1 and its chemokine ligands, including, for exampleMIP-1α, MPIF-1/CKβ38, leukotactin and RANTES, represent significanttherapeutic targets (see Saeki, et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design9:1201-1208 (2003)) since they have been implicated in rheumatoidarthritis, transplant rejection (see, DeVries, M. E., et al., ibid.),and multiple sclerosis (see, Fischer, et al., J Neuroimmunol.110(1-2):195-208 (2000); Izikson, et al., J. Exp. Med. 192(7):1075-1080(2000); and Rottman, et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 30(8):2372-2377 (2000). Infact, function-blocking antibodies, modified chemokine receptor ligandsand small organic compounds have been discovered, some of which havebeen successfully demonstrated to prevent or treat somechemokine-mediated diseases (reviewed in Rossi, et al., ibid.). Notably,in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis, disease development isdiminished when a signaling-blocking, modified-RANTES ligand isadministered (see Plater-Zyberk, et al., Immunol Lett. 57(1-3):117-120(1997)). While function-blocking antibody and small peptide therapiesare promising, they suffer from the perils of degradation, extremelyshort half-lives once administered, and prohibitive expense to developand manufacture, characteristic of most proteins. Small organiccompounds are preferable since they often have longer half lives invivo, require fewer doses to be effective, can often be administeredorally, and are consequently less expensive. Some organic antagonists ofCCR1 have been previously described (see, Hesselgesser, et al., J. Biol.Chem. 273(25):15687-15692 (1998); Ng, et al., J. Med. Chem.42(22):4680-4694 (1999); Liang, et al., J. Biol. Chem.275(25):19000-19008 (2000); and Liang, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol.389(1):41-49 (2000)). In view of the effectiveness demonstrated fortreatment of disease in animal models (see, Liang, et al., J. Biol.Chem. 275(25):19000-19008 (2000)), the search has continued to identifyadditional compounds that can be used in the treatment of diseasesmediated by CCR1 signaling.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds having formula I:

or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, N-oxide orrotamer thereof. In Formula I, the letter n is an integer of from 0 to3;each A is independently selected from the group consisting of N and CH;X and Z are each independently selected from the group consisting

-   -   (i) monocyclic or fused-bicyclic aryl and heteroaryl, wherein        the heteroaryl group has from 1-4 heteroatoms as ring members        selected from N, O and S;    -   (ii) monocyclic four-, five-, six- or seven-membered ring        selected from the group consisting of cycloalkane, and        heterocycloalkane, wherein the heterocycloalkane rings have from        1-3 heteroatoms as ring members selected from N, O and S;    -   wherein each of the rings in (i) and (ii) are optionally        substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents selected from halogen,        CN, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl,        C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, —OR^(a), —CO₂R^(a),        —SO₂R^(a), —NR^(a)R^(b), —CONR^(a)R^(b), aryl, 5- or 6-membered        heteroaryl, and 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkane        wherein the heteroatoms present as ring vertices of the        heteroaryl and heterocycloalkane rings are selected from N, O        and S, and wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and        hetereocycloalkane portions of the substituents are optionally        further substituted with 1-3 R^(a); and optionally, two        substituents on adjacent ring vertices are connected to form an        additional 5- or 6-membered ring which is saturated, unsaturated        or aromatic having ring vertices selected from C, O, N and S;    -   R³ is a member selected from the group consisting of H, halogen,        CN, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl,        C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, —OR^(a), —CO₂R^(a),        —NR^(a)R^(b), —CONR^(a)R^(b), aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,        and 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic wherein the        heteroatoms present as ring vertices of the heteroaryl and        heterocyclic rings are selected from N, O and S, and wherein the        alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and hetereocyclic portions        of R³ are optionally further substituted with 1-3 R^(a);    -   R⁴ is a member selected from the group consisting of H, —OR^(a)        and C₁₋₈ alkyl optionally substituted with —OR^(a);    -   R⁹ is a member selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₈        alkyl optionally substituted with —OR^(a);        each R^(a) and R^(b) is independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, cyano, C₁₋₈ alkyl,        C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₆        cycloalkylalkyl, amino, C₁₋₈ alkylamino, di C₁₋₈ alkylamino,        carboxamide, carboxy C₁₋₄ alkyl ester, carboxylic acid, and        —SO₂—C₁₋₈ alkyl.

In addition to the compounds provided herein, the present inventionfurther provides pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more ofthese compounds, as well as methods for the use of these compoundsprimarily to treat diseases associated with CCR1 signalling activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

None

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Abbreviation and Definitions

The term “alkyl”, by itself or as part of another substituent, means,unless otherwise stated, a straight or branched chain hydrocarbonradical, having the number of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C₁₋₈ meansone to eight carbons). Examples of alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl,n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, n-pentyl,n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and the like. The term “alkenyl” refers toan unsaturated alkyl group having one or more double bonds. Similarly,the term “alkynyl” refers to an unsaturated alkyl group having one ormore triple bonds. Examples of such unsaturated alkyl groups includevinyl, 2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl),2,4-pentadienyl, 3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl,3-butynyl, and the higher homologs and isomers. The term “cycloalkyl”refers to hydrocarbon rings having the indicated number of ring atoms(e.g., C₃₋₆cycloalkyl) and being fully saturated or having no more thanone double bond between ring vertices. “Cycloalkyl” is also meant torefer to bicyclic and polycyclic hydrocarbon rings such as, for example,bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, etc. The term“heterocycloalkane” or “heterocycloalkyl” refers to a cycloalkyl groupthat contain from one to five heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S,wherein the nitrogen and sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and thenitrogen atom(s) are optionally quaternized. The heterocycloalkane maybe a monocyclic, a bicyclic or a polycylic ring system. Non limitingexamples of heterocycloalkane groups include pyrrolidine, imidazolidine,pyrazolidine, butyrolactam, valerolactam, imidazolidinone, hydantoin,dioxolane, phthalimide, piperidine, 1,4-dioxane, morpholine,thiomorpholine, thiomorpholine-5-oxide, thiomorpholine-S,S-oxide,piperazine, pyran, pyridone, 3-pyrroline, thiopyran, pyrone,tetrahydrofuran, tetrhydrothiophene, quinuclidine, and the like. Aheterocycloalkane group can be attached to the remainder of the moleculethrough a ring carbon or a heteroatom.

The term “alkylene” by itself or as part of another substituent means adivalent radical derived from an alkane, as exemplified by—CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. Typically, an alkyl (or alkylene) group will have from 1to 24 carbon atoms, with those groups having 10 or fewer carbon atomsbeing preferred in the present invention. A “lower alkyl” or “loweralkylene” is a shorter chain alkyl or alkylene group, generally havingfour or fewer carbon atoms. Similarly, “alkenylene” and “alkynylene”refer to the unsaturated forms of “alkylene” having double or triplebonds, respectively.

As used herein, a wavy line, “

”, that intersects a single, double or triple bond in any chemicalstructure depicted herein, represent the point attachment of the single,double, or triple bond to the remainder of the molecule.

The terms “alkoxy,” “alkylamino” and “alkylthio” (or thioalkoxy) areused in their conventional sense, and refer to those alkyl groupsattached to the remainder of the molecule via an oxygen atom, an aminogroup, or a sulfur atom, respectively. Additionally, for dialkylaminogroups, the alkyl portions can be the same or different and can also becombined to form a 3-7 membered ring with the nitrogen atom to whicheach is attached. Accordingly, a group represented as dialkylamino or—NR^(a)R^(b) is meant to include piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl,azetidinyl and the like.

The term “di-(C₁₋₄ alkyl)amino-C₁₋₄ alkyl” refers to an amino groupbearing two C₁₋₄ alkyl groups that can be the same or different (e.g.,methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl andtert-butyl) and which is attached to the remainder of the moleculethrough a C₁₋₄ alkyl group (a one to four carbon alkylene linkinggroup). Examples of di-(C₁₋₄ alkyl)amino-C₁₋₄ alkyl groups includedimethylaminomethyl, 2-(ethyl(methyl)amino)ethyl,3-(dimethylamino)butyl, and the like.

The terms “halo” or “halogen,” by themselves or as part of anothersubstituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine,bromine, or iodine atom. Additionally, terms such as “haloalkyl,” aremeant to include monohaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl. For example, the term“C₁₋₄ haloalkyl” is mean to include trifluoromethyl,2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-bromopropyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” means, unless otherwise stated, a polyunsaturated,typically aromatic, hydrocarbon group which can be a single ring ormultiple rings (up to three rings) which are fused together or linkedcovalently. The term “heteroaryl” refers to aryl groups (or rings) thatcontain from one to five heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, whereinthe nitrogen and sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and the nitrogenatom(s) are optionally quaternized. A heteroaryl group can be attachedto the remainder of the molecule through a heteroatom. Non-limitingexamples of aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl and biphenyl, whilenon-limiting examples of heteroaryl groups include pyridyl, pyridazinyl,pyrazinyl, pyrimindinyl, triazinyl, quinolinyl, quinoxalinyl,quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, benzotriazinyl, purinyl,benzimidazolyl, benzopyrazolyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,isobenzofuryl, isoindolyl, indolizinyl, benzotriazinyl, thienopyridinyl,thienopyrimidinyl, pyrazolopyrimidinyl, imidazopyridines,benzothiaxolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothienyl, indolyl, quinolyl,isoquinolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, indazolyl, pteridinyl, imidazolyl,triazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolyl,thiazolyl, furyl, thienyl and the like. Substituents for each of theabove noted aryl and heteroaryl ring systems are selected from the groupof acceptable substituents described below.

The term “arylalkyl” is meant to include those radicals in which an arylgroup is attached to an alkyl group (e.g., benzyl, phenethyl, and thelike). Similarly, the term “heteroaryl-alkyl” is meant to include thoseradicals in which a heteroaryl group is attached to an alkyl group(e.g., pyridylmethyl, thiazolylethyl, and the like).

The above terms (e.g., “alkyl,” “aryl” and “heteroaryl”), in someembodiments, will include both substituted and unsubstituted forms ofthe indicated radical. Preferred substituents for each type of radicalare provided below.

Substituents for the alkyl radicals (including those groups oftenreferred to as alkylene, alkenyl, alkynyl and cycloalkyl) can be avariety of groups selected from: -halogen, —OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′,—SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″,—NR″C(O)R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR″C(O)₂R′, —NH—C(NH₂)═NH, —NR′C(NH₂)═NH,—NH—C(NH₂)═NR′, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NR′S(O)₂R″, —CN and—NO₂ in a number ranging from zero to (2 m′+1), where m′ is the totalnumber of carbon atoms in such radical. R′, R″ and R′″ eachindependently refer to hydrogen, unsubstituted C₁₋₈ alkyl, unsubstitutedaryl, aryl substituted with 1-3 halogens, unsubstituted C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈alkoxy or C₁₋₈ thioalkoxy groups, or unsubstituted aryl-C₁₋₄ alkylgroups. When R′ and R″ are attached to the same nitrogen atom, they canbe combined with the nitrogen atom to form a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or7-membered ring. For example, —NR′R″ is meant to include 1-pyrrolidinyland 4-morpholinyl.

Similarly, substituents for the aryl and heteroaryl groups are variedand are generally selected from: -halogen, —OR′, —OC(O)R′, —NR′R″, —SR′,—R′, —CN, —NO₂, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —C(O)R′, —OC(O)NR′R″, —NR″C(O)R′,—NR″C(O)₂R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NH—C(NH₂)═NH, —NR′C(NH₂)═NH,—NH—C(NH₂)═NR′, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NR′S(O)₂R″, —N₃,perfluoro(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, and perfluoro(C₁-C₄)alkyl, in a number rangingfrom zero to the total number of open valences on the aromatic ringsystem; and where R′, R″ and R′″ are independently selected fromhydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl,C₂₋₈ alkynyl, unsubstituted aryl and heteroaryl, (unsubstitutedaryl)-C₁₋₄ alkyl, and unsubstituted aryloxy-C₁₋₄ alkyl. Other suitablesubstituents include each of the above aryl substituents attached to aring atom by an alkylene tether of from 1-4 carbon atoms.

Two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ringmay optionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula-T-C(O)—(CH₂)_(q)—U—, wherein T and U are independently —NH—, —O—, —CH₂—or a single bond, and q is an integer of from 0 to 2. Alternatively, twoof the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring mayoptionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula-A-(CH₂)_(r)—B—, wherein A and B are independently —CH₂—, —O—, —NH—,—S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —S(O)₂NR′— or a single bond, and r is an integerof from 1 to 3. One of the single bonds of the new ring so formed mayoptionally be replaced with a double bond. Alternatively, two of thesubstituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring mayoptionally be replaced with a substituent of the formula—(CH₂)_(s)—X—(CH₂)₁—, where s and t are independently integers of from 0to 3, and X is —O—, —NR′—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, or —S(O)₂NR′—. Thesubstituent R′ in —NR′— and —S(O)₂NR′— is selected from hydrogen orunsubstituted C₁₋₆ alkyl.

As used herein, the term “heteroatom” is meant to include oxygen (O),nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and silicon (Si).

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” is meant to include saltsof the active compounds which are prepared with relatively nontoxicacids or bases, depending on the particular substituents found on thecompounds described herein. When compounds of the present inventioncontain relatively acidic functionalities, base addition salts can beobtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with asufficient amount of the desired base, either neat or in a suitableinert solvent. Examples of salts derived frompharmaceutically-acceptable inorganic bases include aluminum, ammonium,calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic,manganous, potassium, sodium, zinc and the like. Salts derived frompharmaceutically-acceptable organic bases include salts of primary,secondary and tertiary amines, including substituted amines, cyclicamines, naturally-occurring amines and the like, such as arginine,betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine,2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine,ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine,glucosamine, histidine, hydrabamine, isopropylamine, lysine,methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins,procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine,tripropylamine, tromethamine and the like. When compounds of the presentinvention contain relatively basic functionalities, acid addition saltscan be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with asufficient amount of the desired acid, either neat or in a suitableinert solvent. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable acid additionsalts include those derived from inorganic acids like hydrochloric,hydrobromic, nitric, carbonic, monohydrogencarbonic, phosphoric,monohydrogenphosphoric, dihydrogenphosphoric, sulfuric,monohydrogensulfuric, hydriodic, or phosphorous acids and the like, aswell as the salts derived from relatively nontoxic organic acids likeacetic, propionic, isobutyric, malonic, benzoic, succinic, suberic,fumaric, mandelic, phthalic, benzenesulfonic, p-tolylsulfonic, citric,tartaric, methanesulfonic, and the like. Also included are salts ofamino acids such as arginate and the like, and salts of organic acidslike glucuronic or galactunoric acids and the like (see, for example,Berge, S. M., et al, “Pharmaceutical Salts”, Journal of PharmaceuticalScience, 1977, 66, 1-19). Certain specific compounds of the presentinvention contain both basic and acidic functionalities that allow thecompounds to be converted into either base or acid addition salts.

The neutral forms of the compounds may be regenerated by contacting thesalt with a base or acid and isolating the parent compound in theconventional manner. The parent form of the compound differs from thevarious salt forms in certain physical properties, such as solubility inpolar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to the parentform of the compound for the purposes of the present invention.

In addition to salt forms, the present invention provides compoundswhich are in a prodrug form. Prodrugs of the compounds described hereinare those compounds that readily undergo chemical changes underphysiological conditions to provide the compounds of the presentinvention. Additionally, prodrugs can be converted to the compounds ofthe present invention by chemical or biochemical methods in an ex vivoenvironment. For example, prodrugs can be slowly converted to thecompounds of the present invention when placed in a transdermal patchreservoir with a suitable enzyme or chemical reagent.

Certain compounds of the present invention can exist in unsolvated formsas well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, thesolvated forms are equivalent to unsolvated forms and are intended to beencompassed within the scope of the present invention. Certain compoundsof the present invention may exist in multiple crystalline or amorphousforms. In general, all physical forms are equivalent for the usescontemplated by the present invention and are intended to be within thescope of the present invention.

Certain compounds of the present invention possess asymmetric carbonatoms (optical centers) or double bonds; the racemates, diastereomers,geometric isomers, regioisomers and individual isomers (e.g., separateenantiomers) are all intended to be encompassed within the scope of thepresent invention. The compounds of the present invention may alsocontain unnatural proportions of atomic isotopes at one or more of theatoms that constitute such compounds. Unnatural proportions of anisotope may be defined as ranging from the amount found in nature to anamount consisting of 100% of the atom in question. For example, thecompounds may incorporate radioactive isotopes, such as for exampletritium (³H), iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) or carbon-14 (¹⁴C), or non-radioactiveisotopes, such as deuterium (²H) or carbon-13 (¹³C). Such isotopicvariations can provide additional utilities to those described elsewherewith this application. For instance, isotopic variants of the compoundsof the invention may find additional utility, including but not limitedto, as diagnostic and/or imaging reagents, or as cytotoxic/radiotoxictherapeutic agents. Additionally, isotopic variants of the compounds ofthe invention can have altered pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamiccharacteristics which can contribute to enhanced safety, tolerability orefficacy during treatment. All isotopic variations of the compounds ofthe present invention, whether radioactive or not, are intended to beencompassed within the scope of the present invention.

The term “and acid isosteres” means, unless otherwise stated, a groupwhich can replace a carboxylic acid, having an acidic functionality andsteric and electronic characteristics that provide a level of activity(or other compound characteristic such as solubility) similar to acarboxylic acid. Representative acid isosteres include, hydroxamicacids, sulfonic acids, sulfinic acids, sulfonamides, acyl-sulfonamides,phosphonic acids, phosphinic acids, phosphoric acids, tetrazole, andoxo-oxadiazoles.

Compounds of the invention having formula I can exist in differentisomeric forms. As used herein, the terms cis or trans are used in theirconventional sense in the chemical arts, i.e., referring to the positionof the substituents to one another relative to a reference plane, e.g.,a double bond, or a ring system, such as a decalin-type ring system or ahydroquinolone ring system: in the cis isomer, the substituents are onthe same side of the reference plane, in the trans isomer thesubstituents are on opposite sides. Additionally, different conformersare contemplated by the present invention, as well as distinct rotamers.Conformers are conformational isomers that can differ by rotations aboutone or more σ bonds. Rotamers are conformers that differ by rotationabout only a single a bond.

II. General

The present invention derives from the discovery that compounds offormula I act as potent antagonists of the CCR1 receptor. The compoundshave in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and have superiorpharmacokinetic properties. Accordingly, the compounds provided hereinare useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment ofCCR1-mediated diseases, and as controls in assays for the identificationof competitive CCR1 antagonists.

III. Compounds

In one aspect, the present invention provides for a compound of FormulaI:

or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, N-oxide orrotamer thereof. In Formula I, the letter n is an integer of from 0 to3;each A is independently selected from the group consisting of N and CH;X and Z are each independently selected from the group consisting

-   -   (i) monocyclic or fused-bicyclic aryl and heteroaryl, wherein        the heteroaryl group has from 1-4 heteroatoms as ring members        selected from N, O and S;    -   (ii) monocyclic four-, five-, six- or seven-membered ring        selected from the group consisting of cycloalkane, and        heterocycloalkane, wherein the heterocycloalkane rings have from        1-3 heteroatoms as ring members selected from N, O and S;    -   wherein each of the rings in (i) and (ii) are optionally        substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents selected from halogen,        CN, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl,        C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, —OR^(a), —CO₂R^(a),        —SO₂R^(a), —NR^(a)R^(b), —CONR^(a)R^(b), aryl, 5- or 6-membered        heteroaryl, and 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkane        wherein the heteroatoms present as ring vertices of the        heteroaryl and heterocycloalkane rings are selected from N, O        and S, and wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and        hetereocycloalkane portions of the substituents are optionally        further substituted with 1-3 R^(a); and optionally, two        substituents on adjacent ring vertices are connected to form an        additional 5- or 6-membered ring which is saturated, unsaturated        or aromatic having ring vertices selected from C, O, N and S;    -   R³ is a member selected from the group consisting of H, halogen,        CN, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl,        C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, —OR^(a), —CO₂R^(a),        —NR^(a)R^(b), —CONR^(a)R^(b), aryl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,        and 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic wherein the        heteroatoms present as ring vertices of the heteroaryl and        heterocyclic rings are selected from N, O and S, and wherein the        alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and hetereocyclic portions        of R³ are optionally further substituted with 1-3 R^(a);    -   R⁴ is a member selected from the group consisting of H, —OR^(a)        and C₁₋₈ alkyl optionally substituted with —OR^(a);    -   R⁹ is a member selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₈        alkyl optionally substituted with —OR^(a);        each R^(a) and R^(b) is independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, cyano, C₁₋₈ alkyl,        C₁₋₈ alkoxy, C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, C₃₋₆        cycloalkylalkyl, amino, C₁₋₈ alkylamino, di C₁₋₈ alkylamino,        carboxamide, carboxy C₁₋₄ alkyl ester, carboxylic acid, and        —SO₂—C₁₋₈ alkyl.

In some selected embodiments, the compounds of Formula I are representedby Formula Ia:

wherein A¹ is N or C(R⁵); A² is N or C(R⁷); and R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ areeach independently selected from H, halogen, CN, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl, C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, C₁₋₈hydroxyalkyl, —OR^(a), —CO₂R^(a), —NR^(a)R^(b), —CONR^(a)R^(b), aryl, 5-or 6-membered heteroaryl, and 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkanewherein the heteroatoms present as ring vertices of the heteroaryl andheterocycloalkane rings are selected from N, O and S, and wherein thealkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and hetereocycloalkane portions ofR⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are optionally further substituted with 1-3 R^(a); andoptionally, adjacent members of R⁵, R⁶, R⁷ and R⁸ are connected to forman additional 5- or 6-membered ring which is saturated, unsaturated oraromatic having ring vertices selected from C, O, N and S; or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, rotamer or N-oxidethereof.

In other selected embodiments, the compounds of Formula Ia are thosewherein R⁸ is other than H.

In other selected embodiments, the compounds of Formula Ia arerepresented by Formula Ib:

wherein R¹ and R² are each independently selected from H, halogen, CN,C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, C₂₋₈ alkenyl, C₂₋₈ alkynyl, C₁₋₈ haloalkyl,C₁₋₈ hydroxyalkyl, —OR^(a), —CO₂R^(a), —SO₂R^(a), —NR^(a)R^(b),—CONR^(a)R^(b), and 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-membered heterocycloalkane whereinthe heteroatoms present as ring vertices of the heterocycloalkane ringare selected from N, O and S, and wherein the alkyl, cycloalkyl andhetereocycloalkane portions of R¹ and R² are optionally furthersubstituted with 1-3 R^(a).

In selected embodiments of Formula Ib, each R¹ and R² is independentlyselected from H, halogen, CN, C₁₋₈ alkyl, C₁₋₈ haloalkyl, —CO₂R^(a) and—SO₂R^(a).

In other selected embodiments for the compounds of Formula Ib, the ringportion having N, A¹ and A² as ring vertices is selected from:

In still other selected embodiments for the compounds of Formula Ib, thering portion having N, A¹ and A² as ring vertices is selected from:

wherein R⁷ is H or Cl, and R⁸ is C₁₋₈ alkyl optionally substituted with1 or 2 R^(a).

In still other selected embodiments of Formula Ib, R⁹ is H or CH₃.

Returning to Formula I, some selected embodiments are those compoundsrepresented by Formula Ic:

wherein the letter n is 1, 2 or 3. Other selected embodiments are thosewherein n is 1.

In still other selected embodiments, the compounds of Formula Ib arethose represented by Formula Ib1:

wherein R¹ is Cl or F.

In still other selected embodiments, the compounds of Formula Ib1 arerepresented by Formulae Ib1a, Ib1b and Ib1c.

In some selected embodiments of Formula Ib, the compounds arerepresented by Formula Ib2:

wherein R¹ is Cl or F.

In some selected embodiments of Formula Ib, the compounds arerepresented by Formulae Ib3a, Ib3b and Ib3c.

In selected embodiments of any of Formulae I, Ia, Ib, Ic, Ib1, Ib1a,Ib1b, Ib1c, Ib2, Ib3a, Ib3b and Ib3c, R³ is selected from H, C₁₋₈ alkyl,C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl and C₂₋₈ alkenyl.

Preparation of Compounds

The schemes in the Examples below provide certain synthetic routes thatcan be followed to access certain compounds of the present invention.Other routes or modification of the routes presented below would bereadily apparent to a skilled artisan and are within the scope of thepresent invention.

IV. Pharmaceutical Compositions

In addition the compounds provided above, the compositions formodulating CCR1, CCR2 and CCR3 activity in humans and animals willtypically contain a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent.

The term “composition” as used herein is intended to encompass a productcomprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as wellas any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combinationof the specified ingredients in the specified amounts. By“pharmaceutically acceptable” it is meant the carrier, diluent orexcipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of theformulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The pharmaceutical compositions for the administration of the compoundsof this invention may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form andmay be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacyand drug delivery. All methods include the step of bringing the activeingredient into association with the carrier which constitutes one ormore accessory ingredients. In general, the pharmaceutical compositionsare prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing the active ingredientinto association with a liquid carrier or a finely divided solid carrieror both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desiredformulation. In the pharmaceutical composition the active objectcompound is included in an amount sufficient to produce the desiredeffect upon the process or condition of diseases.

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the active ingredient may bein a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets, troches,lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules,emulsions and self emulsifications as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,451,339, hard or soft capsules, syrups, elixirs, solutions, buccalpatch, oral gel, chewing gum, chewable tablets, effervescent powder andeffervescent tablets. Compositions intended for oral use may be preparedaccording to any method known to the art for the manufacture ofpharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one ormore agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents,flavoring agents, coloring agents, antioxidants and preserving agents inorder to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations.Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxicpharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for themanufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inertdiluents, such as cellulose, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calciumcarbonate, sodium carbonate, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose,calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegratingagents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, forexample PVP, cellulose, PEG, starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricatingagents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. Thetablets may be uncoated or they may be coated, enterically or otherwise,by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in thegastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over alonger period. For example, a time delay material such as glycerylmonostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also becoated by the techniques described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108;4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for controlrelease.

Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsuleswherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, forexample, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as softgelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or anoil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil.Additionally, emulsions can be prepared with a non-water miscibleingredient such as oils and stabilized with surfactants such asmono-diglycerides, PEG esters and the like.

Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture withexcipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Suchexcipients are suspending agents, for example sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose,sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia;dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide,for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide withfatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, forexample heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensation products ofethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and ahexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensationproducts of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acidsand hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate.The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, forexample ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloringagents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents,such as sucrose or saccharin.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredientin a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil orcoconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oilysuspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hardparaffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forthabove, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oralpreparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of ananti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueoussuspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient inadmixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and oneor more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents andsuspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above.Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloringagents, may also be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the formof oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, forexample olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquidparaffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may benaturally-occurring gums, for example gum acacia or gum tragacanth,naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, andesters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitolanhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation productsof the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for examplepolyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also containsweetening and flavoring agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for exampleglycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations mayalso contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavoring and coloringagents. Oral solutions can be prepared in combination with, for example,cyclodextrin, PEG and surfactants.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterileinjectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may beformulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing orwetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above.The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectablesolution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent orsolvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among theacceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water,Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition,sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent orsuspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employedincluding synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids suchas oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

The compounds of the present invention may also be administered in theform of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. Thesecompositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitablenon-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures butliquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectumto release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter andpolyethylene glycols. Additionally, the compounds can be administeredvia ocular delivery by means of solutions or ointments. Still further,transdermal delivery of the subject compounds can be accomplished bymeans of iontophoretic patches and the like. For topical use, creams,ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing thecompounds of the present invention are employed. As used herein, topicalapplication is also meant to include the use of mouth washes andgargles.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for depositing into amedical device, which may include any of variety of conventional grafts,stents, including stent grafts, catheters, balloons, baskets or otherdevice that can be deployed or permanently implanted within a bodylumen. As a particular example, it would be desirable to have devicesand methods which can deliver compounds of the invention to the regionof a body which has been treated by interventional technique.

In exemplary embodiment, the inhibitory agent of this invention may bedeposited within a medical device, such as a stent, and delivered to thetreatment site for treatment of a portion of the body.

Stents have been used as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents (i.e.,drugs). Intravascular stents are generally permanently implanted incoronary or peripheral vessels. Stent designs include those of U.S. Pat.No. 4,733,655 (Palmaz), U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,882 (Gianturco), or U.S.Pat. No. 4,886,062 (Wiktor). Such designs include both metal andpolymeric stents, as well as self-expanding and balloon-expandablestents. Stents may also used to deliver a drug at the site of contactwith the vasculature, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,417 (Palmaz)and in International Patent Application Nos. WO 91/12779 (Medtronic,Inc.) and WO 90/13332 (Cedars-Sanai Medical Center), U.S. Pat. No.5,419,760 (Narciso, Jr.) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,634 (Narciso, Jr.), forexample. Stents have also been used to deliver viruses to the wall of alumen for gene delivery, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,651(Donovan et al.).

The term “deposited” means that the inhibitory agent is coated,adsorbed, placed, or otherwise incorporated into the device by methodsknown in the art. For example, the inhibitory agent may be embedded andreleased from within (“matrix type”) or surrounded by and releasedthrough (“reservoir type”) polymer materials that coat or span themedical device. In the later example, the inhibitory agent may beentrapped within the polymer materials or coupled to the polymermaterials using one or more the techniques for generating such materialsknown in the art. In other formulations, the inhibitory agent may belinked to the surface of the medical device without the need for acoating by means of detachable bonds and release with time, can beremoved by active mechanical or chemical processes, or are in apermanently immobilized form that presents the inhibitory agent at theimplantation site.

In one embodiment, the inhibitory agent may be incorporated with polymercompositions during the formation of biocompatible coatings for medicaldevices, such as stents. The coatings produced from these components aretypically homogeneous and are useful for coating a number of devicesdesigned for implantation.

The polymer may be either a biostable or a bioabsorbable polymerdepending on the desired rate of release or the desired degree ofpolymer stability, but a bioabsorbable polymer is preferred for thisembodiment since, unlike a biostable polymer, it will not be presentlong after implantation to cause any adverse, chronic local response.Bioabsorbable polymers that could be used include, but are not limitedto, poly(L-lactic acid), polycaprolactone, polyglycolide (PGA),poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLLA/PGA), poly(hydroxybutyrate),poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate), polydioxanone, polyorthoester,polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid), poly(D-lactic acid), poly(L-lacticacid), poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA), poly(L-lactide)(PLLA), poly(glycolic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate) (PGA/PTMC),polyethylene oxide (PEO), polydioxanone (PDS), polyphosphoester,polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acids), cyanoacrylates,poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(iminocarbonate), copoly(ether-esters)(e.g., PEO/PLA), polyalkylene oxalates, polyphosphazenes andbiomolecules such as fibrin, fibrinogen, cellulose, starch, collagen andhyaluronic acid, polyepsilon caprolactone, polyhydroxy butyric acid,polyorthoesters, polyacetals, polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates,cross linked or amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels, and othersuitable bioabsorbable popolymers known in the art. Also, biostablepolymers with a relatively low chronic tissue response such aspolyurethanes, silicones, and polyesters could be used and otherpolymers could also be used if they can be dissolved and cured orpolymerized on the medical device such as polyolefins, polyisobutyleneand ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers; acrylic polymers and copolymers,vinyl halide polymers and copolymers, such as polyvinyl chloride;polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinyl ethers, such as polyvinyl methyl ether;polyvinylidene halides, such as polyvinylidene fluoride andpolyvinylidene chloride; polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones; polyvinylaromatics, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl esters, such as polyvinylacetate; copolymers of vinyl monomers with each other and olefins, suchas ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrenecopolymers, ABS resins, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; pyrancopolymer; polyhydroxy-propyl-methacrylamide-phenol;polyhydroxyethyl-aspartamide-phenol; polyethyleneoxide-polylysinesubstituted with palmitoyl residues; polyamides, such as Nylon 66 andpolycaprolactam; alkyd resins, polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes;polyimides; polyethers; epoxy resins, polyurethanes; rayon;rayon-triacetate; cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate;cellulose acetate butyrate; cellophane; cellulose nitrate; cellulosepropionate; cellulose ethers; and carboxymethyl cellulose.

Polymers and semipermeable polymer matrices may be formed into shapedarticles, such as valves, stents, tubing, prostheses and the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, the inhibitory agent of theinvention is coupled to a polymer or semipermeable polymer matrix thatis formed as a stent or stent-graft device.

Typically, polymers are applied to the surface of an implantable deviceby spin coating, dipping or spraying. Additional methods known in theart can also be utilized for this purpose. Methods of spraying includetraditional methods as well as microdeposition techniques with an inkjettype of dispenser. Additionally, a polymer can be deposited on animplantable device using photo-patterning to place the polymer on onlyspecific portions of the device. This coating of the device provides auniform layer around the device which allows for improved diffusion ofvarious analytes through the device coating.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the inhibitory agent isformulated for release from the polymer coating into the environment inwhich the medical device is placed. Preferably, the inhibitory agent isreleased in a controlled manner over an extended time frame (e.g.,months) using at least one of several well-known techniques involvingpolymer carriers or layers to control elution. Some of these techniqueswere previously described in U.S. Patent Application 20040243225A1.

Moreover, as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,729, thereagents and reaction conditions of the polymer compositions can bemanipulated so that the release of the inhibitory agent from the polymercoating can be controlled. For example, the diffusion coefficient of theone or more polymer coatings can be modulated to control the release ofthe inhibitory agent from the polymer coating. In a variation on thistheme, the diffusion coefficient of the one or more polymer coatings canbe controlled to modulate the ability of an analyte that is present inthe environment in which the medical device is placed (e.g. an analytethat facilitates the breakdown or hydrolysis of some portion of thepolymer) to access one or more components within the polymer composition(and for example, thereby modulate the release of the inhibitory agentfrom the polymer coating). Yet another embodiment of the inventionincludes a device having a plurality of polymer coatings, each having aplurality of diffusion coefficients. In such embodiments of theinvention, the release of the inhibitory agent from the polymer coatingcan be modulated by the plurality of polymer coatings.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the release of theinhibitory agent from the polymer coating is controlled by modulatingone or more of the properties of the polymer composition, such as thepresence of one or more endogenous or exogenous compounds, oralternatively, the pH of the polymer composition. For example, certainpolymer compositions can be designed to release a inhibitory agent inresponse to a decrease in the pH of the polymer composition.Alternatively, certain polymer compositions can be designed to releasethe inhibitory agent in response to the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

III. Methods of Treating Diseases Modulated by CCR1

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods oftreating CCR1-mediated conditions or diseases by administering to asubject having such a disease or condition, a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of formula I above. The “subject” is defined hereinto include animals such as mammals, including, but not limited to,primates (e.g., humans), cows, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats,rabbits, rats, mice and the like.

CCR1 provides a target for interfering with or promoting specificaspects of immune cell functions, or more generally, with functionsassociated with CCR1 expression on a wide range of cell types in amammal, such as a human. Compounds that inhibit CCR1, are particularlyuseful for modulating monocyte, macrophage, lymphocyte, granulocyte, NKcell, mast cells, dendritic cell, and certain immune derived cell (forexample, osteoclasts) function for therapeutic purposes. Accordingly,the present invention is directed to compounds which are useful in theprevention and/or treatment of a wide variety of inflammatory andimmunoregulatory disorders and diseases (see Saeki, et al., CurrentPharmaceutical Design 9:1201-1208 (2003)).

For example, an instant compound that inhibits one or more functions ofCCR1 may be administered to inhibit (i.e., reduce or prevent)inflammation or cellular infiltration associated with an immunedisorder. As a result, one or more inflammatory processes, such asleukocyte emigration or infiltration, chemotaxis, exocytosis (e.g., ofenzymes, histamine) or inflammatory mediator release, can be inhibited.For example, monocyte infiltration to an inflammatory site (e.g., anaffected joint in arthritis, or into the CNS in MS) can be inhibitedaccording to the present method.

Similarly, an instant compound that promotes one or more functions ofCCR1 is administered to stimulate (induce or enhance) an inflammatoryresponse, such as leukocyte emigration, chemotaxis, exocytosis (e.g., ofenzymes, histamine) or inflammatory mediator release, resulting in thebeneficial stimulation of inflammatory processes. For example, monocytescan be recruited to combat bacterial infections.

Diseases and conditions associated with inflammation, immune disordersand infection can be treated using the method of the present invention.In a preferred embodiment, the disease or condition is one in which theactions of immune cells such monocyte, macrophage, lymphocyte,granulocyte, NK cell, mast cell, dendritic cell, or certain immunederived cell (for example, osteoclasts) are to be inhibited or promoted,in order to modulate the inflammatory or autoimmune response.

In one group of embodiments, diseases or conditions, including chronicdiseases, of humans or other species can treated with modulators of CCR1function. These diseases or conditions include: (1) allergic diseasessuch as systemic anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity responses, drugallergies, insect sting allergies and food allergies, (2) inflammatorybowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ileitis andenteritis, (3) vaginitis, (4) psoriasis and inflammatory dermatoses suchas dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis,urticaria and pruritus, (5) vasculitis, (6) spondyloarthropathies, (7)scleroderma, (8) asthma and respiratory allergic diseases such asasthma, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypersensitivity lungdiseases and the like, (9) autoimmune diseases, such as fibromyalagia,scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile RA, Still's disease,polyarticular juvenile RA, pauciarticular juvenile RA, polymyalgiarheumatica, Takuyasu arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriaticarthritis, osteoarthritis, polyarticular arthritis, multiple sclerosis,systemic lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, type Idiabetes (recent onset), optic neuritis, glomerulonephritis, and thelike, (10) graft rejection including allograft rejection and acute andchronic graft-vs-host disease, (11) fibrosis (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis(i.e. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis),fibrosis associated with end-stage renal disease, fibrosis caused byradiation, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, subepithelieal fibrosis,scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis), hepatic fibrosis(including that caused by alcoholic or viral hepatitis), primary andsecondary cirrhosis), (12) acute and chronic lung inflammation (chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, adult respiratorydistress syndrome, respiratory distress syndrome of infancy, immunecomplex alveolitis) and (13) other diseases in which undesiredinflammatory responses or immune disorders are to be inhibited, such ascardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, vascular inflammationresulting from tissue transplant or during restenosis (including, butnot limited to restenosis following angioplasty and/or stent insertion),other acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as myositis,neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), encephalitis,meningitis, hepatitis, nephritis, sepsis, sarcoidosis, allergicconjunctivitis, otitis, sinusitis, synovial inflammation caused byarthroscopy, hyperuremia, trauma, ischaemia reperfusion injury, nasalpolyosis, preeclampsia, oral lichen planus, Guillina-Barre syndrome,granulomatous diseases, conditions associated with leptin production,Behcet's syndrome and gout and in wound healing applications (14) immunemediated food allergies such as Celiac disease (15) diseases ofosteoclast dysregulation including osteoporosis and osteolytic bonediseases associated with cancers such as multiple myeloma.

In another group of embodiments, diseases or conditions can be treatedwith modulators of CCR1 function. Examples of diseases to be treatedwith modulators of CCR1 function include cancers (both primary andmetastatic) (e.g., multiple myeloma; Hata, H., Leukemia & Lymphoma,2005, 46(7); 967-972), cardiovascular diseases, diseases in whichangiogenesis or neovascularization play a role (neoplastic diseases,retinopathy and macular degeneration), infectious diseases (viralinfections, e.g., HIV infection, and bacterial infections) andimmunosuppressive diseases such as organ transplant conditions and skintransplant conditions. The term “organ transplant conditions” is meantto include bone marrow transplant conditions and solid organ (e.g.,kidney, liver, lung, heart, pancreas or combination thereof) transplantconditions.

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can also inhibit theproduction of metalloproteinases and cytokines at inflammatory sites,either directly or indirectly (as a consequence of decreasing cellinfiltration) thus providing benefit for diseases or conditions linkedto these cytokines.

The compounds of the present invention are accordingly useful in theprevention and treatment of a wide variety of inflammatory andimmunoregulatory disorders and diseases.

Depending on the disease to be treated and the subject's condition, thecompounds of the present invention may be administered by oral,parenteral (e.g., intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, ICV,intracisternal injection or infusion, subcutaneous injection, orimplant), by inhalation spray, nasal, vaginal, rectal, sublingual, ortopical routes of administration and may be formulated, alone ortogether, in suitable dosage unit formulations containing conventionalnon-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehiclesappropriate for each route of administration.

Those of skill in the art will understand that agents that modulate CCR1activity can be combined in treatment regimens with other therapeuticagents and/or with chemotherapeutic agents or radiation. In some cases,the amount of chemotherapeutic agent or radiation is an amount whichwould be sub-therapeutic if provided without combination with acomposition of the invention. Those of skill in the art will appreciatethat “combinations” can involve combinations in treatments (i.e., two ormore drugs can be administered as a mixture, or at least concurrently orat least introduced into a subject at different times but such that bothare in the bloodstream of a subject at the same time). Additionally,compositions of the current invention may be administered prior to orsubsequent to a second therapeutic regimen, for instance prior to orsubsequent to a dose of chemotherapy or irradiation.

In the treatment or prevention of conditions which require chemokinereceptor modulation an appropriate dosage level will generally be about0.001 to 100 mg per kg patient body weight per day which can beadministered in single or multiple doses. Preferably, the dosage levelwill be about 0.01 to about 25 mg/kg per day; more preferably about 0.05to about 10 mg/kg per day. A suitable dosage level may be about 0.01 to25 mg/kg per day, about 0.05 to 10 mg/kg per day, or about 0.1 to 5mg/kg per day. Within this range the dosage may be 0.005 to 0.05, 0.05to 0.5 or 0.5 to 5.0 mg/kg per day. For oral administration, thecompositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing1.0 to 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient, particularly 1.0, 5.0,10.0, 15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 50.0, 75.0, 100.0, 150.0, 200.0, 250.0, 300.0,400.0, 500.0, 600.0, 750.0, 800.0, 900.0, and 1000.0 milligrams of theactive ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to thepatient to be treated. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of1 to 4 times per day, preferably once or twice per day.

It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level andfrequency of dosage for any particular patient may be varied and willdepend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specificcompound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of thatcompound, the age, body weight, hereditary characteristics, generalhealth, sex and diet of the subject, as well as the mode and time ofadministration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the severity ofthe particular condition for the subject undergoing therapy.

Diseases and conditions associated with inflammation, immune disorder,infection and cancer can be treated or prevented with the presentcompounds, compositions, and methods.

The compounds and compositions of the present invention can be combinedwith other compounds and compositions having related utilities toprevent and treat the condition or disease of interest, such asinflammatory or autoimmune disorders, conditions and diseases, includinginflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,psoriatic arthritis, polyarticular arthritis, multiple sclerosis,allergic diseases, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and asthma, and thosepathologies noted above.

For example, in the treatment or prevention of inflammation orautimmunity or for example arthritis associated bone loss, the presentcompounds and compositions may be used in conjunction with ananti-inflammatory or analgesic agent such as an opiate agonist, alipoxygenase inhibitor, such as an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, acyclooxygenase inhibitor, such as a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, aninterleukin inhibitor, such as an interleukin-1 inhibitor, an NMDAantagonist, an inhibitor of nitric oxide or an inhibitor of thesynthesis of nitric oxide, a non steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or acytokine-suppressing anti-inflammatory agent, for example with acompound such as acetaminophen, aspirin, codeine, fentanyl, ibuprofen,indomethacin, ketorolac, morphine, naproxen, phenacetin, piroxicam, asteroidal analgesic, sufentanyl, sunlindac, tenidap, and the like.Similarly, the instant compounds and compositions may be administeredwith an analgesic listed above; a potentiator such as caffeine, an H2antagonist (e.g., ranitidine), simethicone, aluminum or magnesiumhydroxide; a decongestant such as phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine,pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline, ephinephrine, naphazoline,xylometazoline, propylhexedrine, or levo desoxy ephedrine; anantitussive such as codeine, hydrocodone, caramiphen, carbetapentane, ordextromethorphan; a diuretic; and a sedating or non sedatingantihistamine.

Likewise, compounds and compositions of the present invention may beused in combination with other drugs that are used in the treatment,prevention, suppression or amelioration of the diseases or conditionsfor which compounds and compositions of the present invention areuseful. Such other drugs may be administered, by a route and in anamount commonly used therefor, contemporaneously or sequentially with acompound or composition of the present invention. When a compound orcomposition of the present invention is used contemporaneously with oneor more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition containing such otherdrugs in addition to the compound or composition of the presentinvention is preferred. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions ofthe present invention include those that also contain one or more otheractive ingredients or therapeutic agents, in addition to a compound orcomposition of the present invention. Examples of other therapeuticagents that may be combined with a compound or composition of thepresent invention, either administered separately or in the samepharmaceutical compositions, include, but are not limited to: (a) VLA-4antagonists, (b) corticosteroids, such as beclomethasone,methylprednisolone, betamethasone, prednisone, prenisolone,dexamethasone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, budesonide, triamcinolone,salmeterol, salmeterol, salbutamol, formeterol; (c) immunosuppressantssuch as cyclosporine (cyclosporine A, Sandimmune®, Neoral®), tacrolirnus(FK-506, Prograf®), rapamycin (sirolimus, Rapamune®), Tofacitinib(Xeljanz®) and other FK-506 type immunosuppressants, and rnycophenolate,e.g., mycophenolate mofetil (CellCepte); (d) antihistamines(H1-histamine antagonists) such as bromopheniramine, chlorpheniramine,dexchloipheniramine, triprolidine, clemastine, diphenhydramine,diphenylpyraline, tripelennamine, hydroxyzine, methdilazine,promethazine, trimeprazine, azatadine, cyproheptadine, antazoline,pheniramine pyrilamine, astern izole, terfenadine, loratadine,cetirizine, fexofenadine, descarboethoxyloratadine, and the like; (e)non steroidal anti asthmatics (e.g., terbutaline, metaproterenol,fenoterol, isoetharine, albuterol, bitolterol and pirbuterol),theophylline, cromolyn sodium, atropine, ipratropium bromide,leukotriene antagonists (e.g., zafmlukast, montelukast, pranlukast,iralukast, pobilukast and SKB-106,203), leukotriene biosynthesisinhibitors (zileuton, BAY-1005); (f) non steroidal anti-inflammatoryagents (NSAIDs) such as propionic acid derivatives (e.g., alminoprofen,benoxaprofen, bucloxic acid, carprofen, fenbufen, fenoprofen, fluprofen,flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, niroprofen, naproxen,oxaprozin, pirprofen, pranoprofen, suprofen, tiaprofenic acid andtioxaprofen), acetic acid derivatives (e.g., indomethacin, acemetacin,alclofenac, clidanac, diclofenac, fenclofenac, fenclozic acid,fentiazac, furofenac, ibufenac, isoxepac, oxpinac, sulindac, tiopinac,tolmetin, zidometacin and zomepirac), fenamic acid derivatives (e.g.,flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, niflumic acid andtolfenamic acid), biphenylcarboxylic acid derivatives (e.g., diflunisaland flufenisal), oxicams (e.g., isoxicam, piroxicam, sudoxicam andtenoxican), salicylates (e.g., acetyl salicylic acid and sulfasalazine)and the pyrazolones (e.g., apazone, bezpiperylon, feprazone,mofebutazone, oxyphenbutazone and phenylbutazone); (g) cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex®) and rofecoxib (Vioxx®);(h) inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV (PDE IV); (i) gold compoundssuch as auranofin and aurothioglucose, (j) etanercept (Enbrel®), (k)antibody therapies such as orthoclone (OKT3), daclizumab (Zenapax®),basiliximab (Simulect®) and infliximab (Remicade®), adalimumab(Humira®), golimumab (Simponi®), rituximab (Rituxan®), tocilizumab(Actemra®), (I) other antagonists of the chemokine receptors, especiallyCCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR7, CX₃CR1 and CXCR6; (m)lubricants or emollients such as petrolatum and lanolin, (n) keratolyticagents (e.g., tazarotene), (o) vitamin D₃ derivatives, e.g.,calcipotriene or calcipotriol (Dovonex®), (p) PUVA, (q) anthralin(Drithrocreme®), (r) etretinate (Tegison®) and isotretinoin and (s)multiple sclerosis therapeutic agents such as interferon β-1β(Betaseron®), interferon (β-1α (Avonex®), azathioprine (Imurek®,Imuran®), glatiramer acetate (Capoxone®), a glucocorticoid (e.g.,prednisolone) and cyclophosphamide (t) DMARDS such as methotrexate andleflunomide (u) other compounds such as 5-aminosalicylic acid andprodrugs thereof; hydroxychloroquine; D-penicillamine; antimetabolitessuch as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate; DNA synthesisinhibitors such as hydroxyurea and microtubule disrupters such ascolchicine and proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib (Velcade®). Theweight ratio of the compound of the present invention to the secondactive ingredient may be varied and will depend upon the effective doseof each ingredient. Generally, an effective dose of each will be used.Thus, for example, when a compound of the present invention is combinedwith an NSAID the weight ratio of the compound of the present inventionto the NSAID will generally range from about 1000:1 to about 1:1000,preferably about 200:1 to about 1:200. Combinations of a compound of thepresent invention and other active ingredients will generally also bewithin the aforementioned range, but in each case, an effective dose ofeach active ingredient should be used.

IV. Examples

The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit theclaimed invention.

Reagents and solvents used below can be obtained from commercial sourcessuch as Aldrich Chemical Co. (Milwaukee, Wis., USA). ¹H-NMR wererecorded on a Varian Mercury 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Significant peaksare provided relative to TMS and are tabulated in the order:multiplicity (s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; q, quartet; m,multiplet) and number of protons. Mass spectrometry results are reportedas the ratio of mass over charge, followed by the relative abundance ofeach ion (in parenthesis). In tables, a single m/e value is reported forthe M+H (or, as noted, M−H) ion containing the most common atomicisotopes. Isotope patterns correspond to the expected formula in allcases. Electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry analysis wasconducted on a Hewlett-Packard MSD electrospray mass spectrometer usingthe HP1100 HPLC equipped with an Agilent Zorbax SB—C18, 2.1×50 mm, 5μcolumn for sample delivery. Normally the analyte was dissolved inmethanol at 0.1 mg/mL and 1 microliter was infused with the deliverysolvent into the mass spectrometer, which scanned from 100 to 1500daltons. All compounds could be analyzed in the positive ESI mode, usingacetonitrile/water with 1% formic acid as the delivery solvent. Thecompounds provided below could also be analyzed in the negative ESImode, using 2 mM NH₄OAc in acetonitrile/water as delivery system.

The following abbreviations are used in the Examples and throughout thedescription of the invention:

HPLC, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography; DMF, Dimethyl formamide; TFA,Trifluoroacetic Acid; THF, Tetrahydrofuran; EtOAc, Ethyl acetate; BOC₂O,di-tertbutyl dicarbonate or BOC anhydride; HPLC, High Pressure LiquidChromatography; DIPEA, Diisopropyl ethylamine; HBTU,O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate;dppf, 1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene; Pd₂(dba)₃,Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0); DIPEA, diisopropylethylamine;DMP, dimethylphthalate; Me, methyl; Et, ethyl; DCM, dichloromethane.

Compounds within the scope of this invention can be synthesized asdescribed below, using a variety of reactions known to the skilledartisan. One skilled in the art will also recognize that alternativemethods may be employed to synthesize the target compounds of thisinvention, and that the approaches described within the body of thisdocument are not exhaustive, but do provide broadly applicable andpractical routes to compounds of interest.

Certain molecules claimed in this patent can exist in differentenantiomeric and diastereomeric forms and all such variants of thesecompounds are claimed.

The detailed description of the experimental procedures used tosynthesize key compounds in this text lead to molecules that aredescribed by the physical data identifying them as well as by thestructural depictions associated with them.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that during standard workup procedures in organic chemistry, acids and bases are frequently used.Salts of the parent compounds are sometimes produced, if they possessthe necessary intrinsic acidity or basicity, during the experimentalprocedures described within this patent.

Example 1 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Nitronium tetrafluoroborate (110 mg, 0.84 mmol) was added to asolution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole (120 mg, 0.70 mmol)in anhydrous acetonitrile (5.0 mL) under nitrogen at room temperature.After stirring for 12 h, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo andpurified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 20% EtOAc/hexanes) to give theproduct (53 mg, 0.24 mmol, 34%) as a colorless oil.

b) A heavy-walled glass flask containing1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-4-nitro-pyrazole (50 mg, 0.23 mmol) fromstep a and 10% Pd/C (10 mg, 20 wt %) in MeOH (5 mL) was fitted onto aParr apparatus and agitated under H₂ at 45 psi. After 1 h, the reactionmixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the filtrate wasconcentrated in vacuo to afford the product (240 mg, 1.2 mmol, 99%) asan orange oil. The crude material was carried to the next step withoutfurther purification.

c) Trimethylaluminum (0.25 mL, 2 M in toluene, 0.50 mmol) was slowlyadded to a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-amine (47mg, 0.25 mmol) from step b and3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(58 mg, 0.25 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (5 mL) under nitrogen. Themixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 20 min before thereaction was carefully quenched by adding 1-2 drops of 1 N HCl. Afterbubbling subsided, the thick mixture was diluted with additional 1 N HCland extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×20 mL). The combined organic extracts weredried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crudematerial was carried to the next step without further purification.

d) To a solution of the crude alcohol intermediate (assumed 0.25 mmol)from step c and triethylamine (0.14 mL, 1.0 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) wasslowly added methanesulfonyl chloride (0.040 mL, 0.50 mmol). Thereaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 15 minbefore it was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water. The organiclayer was separated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude yellow oil was carried to the next step without furtherpurification.

e) To the crude mesylate intermediate (assumed 0.25 mmol) from step d intetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added sodium hydride (40 mg, 60% in mineraloil, 1.0 mmol) in one portion at room temperature. After stirring for 30min, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueousNH₄Cl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers werecombined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC(C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford the titled compound(35 mg, 0.086 mmol, 34% over three steps) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=9.0, 5.1 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (dd,J=8.8, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.11 (dd, J=8.6, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (ddd, J=9.8, 8.6,5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (ddd, J=9.8, 7.8, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.80-2.88 (m, 2H), 2.66(s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₈H₁₆F₄N₆O[M+H]⁺409.1. found 409.1.

Example 2 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Trimethylaluminum (0.16 mL, 2 M in toluene, 0.32 mmol) was slowlyadded under nitrogen to a solution of the1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-amine (40 mg, 0.21 mmol) and3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(58 mg, 0.25 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL) at room temperature. Themixture was allowed to stir for 30 min before the reaction was carefullyquenched by adding a few drops of 1 N HCl. After bubbling subsided, thethick mixture was diluted with additional 1 N HCl and extracted withCH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was carried tothe next step without further purification.

b) To a solution of the crude alcohol intermediate (assumed 0.21 mmol)from step a and triethylamine (0.10 mL, 0.63 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) wasslowly added methanesulfonyl chloride (0.025 mL, 0.32 mmol). Thereaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 15 minbefore it was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water. The organiclayer was separated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude material was carried to the next step without furtherpurification.

c) To the crude mesylate intermediate (assumed 0.21 mmol) from step b intetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added sodium hydride (40 mg, 60% in mineraloil, 1.0 mmol) in one portion at room temperature. After stirring for 30min, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueousNH₄Cl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers werecombined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude residue was purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford the titled compound(20 mg, 0.045 mmol, 22% over three steps) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.42 (dd, J=8.8, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (dd,J=8.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.06 (dd, J=9.1, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (ddd, J=9.6, 8.4,5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (ddd, J=9.6, 8.0, 5.5 Hz, 1H), 2.85 (dddd, J=13.6,8.0, 5.6, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.75 (dddd, J=13.6, 8.0, 8.0, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.42(s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₉H₁₆ClF₄N₅O[M+H]⁺442.1. found 442.1.

Example 3 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Trimethylaluminum (0.26 mL, 2 M in toluene, 0.52 mmol) was slowlyadded under nitrogen to a solution of the1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-amine (50 mg, 0.26 mmol) andα-bromo-γ-butyrolactone (85 mg, 0.52 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL)at room temperature. The mixture was allowed to stir for 1 h before thereaction was carefully quenched by adding a few drops of 1 N HCl. Afterbubbling subsided, the thick mixture was diluted with additional 1 N HCland extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The combined organic extracts weredried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crudematerial was carried to the next step without further purification.

b) To a solution of the crude alcohol intermediate (assumed 0.26 mmol)from step a and triethylamine (0.11 mL, 0.78 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3 mL) wasslowly added methanesulfonyl chloride (0.030 mL, 0.39 mmol). Thereaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 15 minbefore it was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water. The organiclayer was separated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude material was carried to the next step without furtherpurification.

c) To the crude mesylate intermediate (assumed 0.61 mmol) from step b intetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added sodium hydride (40 mg, 60% in mineraloil, 1.0 mmol) in one portion at room temperature. After stirring for 30min, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueousNH₄Cl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers werecombined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was carried to the next step without furtherpurification.

d) A mixture of the crude bromide intermediate (assumed 0.26 mmol) fromstep c, 2-methyl-4-trifluoromethylimidazole (40 mg, 0.26 mmol), andpotassium carbonate (40 mg, 0.29 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was stirred at 65°C. for 12 h. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, diluted withEtOAc (20 mL) and washed with water. The aqueous layer wasback-extracted with EtOAc (1×10 mL) and CH₂Cl₂ (1×10 mL). The organiclayers were combined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. Purification of the crude material by reverse phase HPLC (C18column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) afforded thetrifluoroacetate salt of the titled compound (28 mg, 0.0054 mmol, 21%over four steps) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.69 (s,1H), 7.43 (dd, J=8.8, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.30-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.21 (dd, J=8.0,8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.07 (dd, J=10.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (ddd, J=10.0, 10.0, 6.8Hz, 1H), 3.89 (ddd, J=10.8, 9.2, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.94-2.88 (m, 1H), 2.61(s, 3H), 2.48-2.39 (m, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₁₉H₁₇F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 408.1. found 408.1.

Example 4 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]piperidin-2-one

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 3, substituting α-bromo-γ-butyrolactone for3-bromotetrahydropyran-2-one in step 3a. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.66(s, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=9.2, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.29-7.26 (m, 1H), 7.19 (t, J=8.0Hz, 2H), 4.89 (dd, J=11.2, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (J=12.4, 10.4, 4.8 Hz, 1H),3.80-3.73 (m, 1H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.60-2.53 (m, 1H), 2.40-2.23 (m, 3H),2.15 (s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₀H₁₉F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 422.2.found 422.1.

Example 5 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A solution of 4-fluorophenylboronic acid (5.02 g, 35.4 mmol),4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (2.00 g, 17.7 mmol), copper acetate (3.50 g, 19.5mmol), and pyridine (7.00 mL, 88.5 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was allowedto stir under air at room temperature for 12 h. The mixture was thenfiltered through a pad of Celite and the filtrate was concentrated invacuo. The crude residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 30%EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the product as a white solid.

b) A heavy-walled glass flask containing1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-nitro-pyrazole (assumed 17.7 mmol) from step a and10% Pd/C (0.30 g) in EtOH (50 mL) and EtOAc (10 mL) was fitted onto aParr apparatus and agitated under H₂ at 40 psi. After 1 h, the reactionmixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the filtrate wasconcentrated in vacuo to afford the product as a red solid (4.0 g, 22.6mmol, 63% over two steps). The product was used without furtherpurification.

c) To a solution of2-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-4-hydroxy-butanoicacid (0.77 g, 2.7 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (1.9 mL, 11 mmol)in CH₂Cl₂ (30 mL) was added trimethylsilylchloride (0.85 mL, 6.8 mmol)at room temperature. The mixture was allowed to stir for 5 min beforethe addition of methanesulfonyl chloride (0.52 mL, 6.8 mL). Afterstirring for an additional 10 min, sodium bicarbonate (0.45 g, 5.4 mmol)and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-amine (0.32 g, 1.8 mmol) from step awere each added as solids. The mixture was left to stir at roomtemperature for 12 h. The reaction was quenched by the addition of 1 NHCl (30 mL) and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (1×50 mL). The organic layers werecombined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo.Purification of the crude material by flash chromatography (SiO₂,20%-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the product as an orange oil (140 mg,0.31 mmol, 18%).

d) Diethyl azodicarboxylate (75 μL, 0.47 mmol) was slowly added to asolution of triphenylphosphine (124 mg, 0.47 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (2mL) under nitrogen. The yellow solution was allowed to stir for 20 minat room temperature before the alcohol intermediate (140 mg, 0.30 mmol)from step c was added as a solution in tetrahydrofuran (3 mL). Afterstirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction was quenched by theaddition of saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ and the mixture was extracted withCH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was purified byflash chromatography (SiO₂, 20-50% EtOAc/hexanes) and reverse phase HPLC(C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford thetitled compound (10 mg, 0.023 mmol, 8%) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J=9.2, 4.8 Hz, 2H),7.15 (dd, J=8.8, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.12 (dd, J=9.3, 7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (ddd,J=9.2, 9.2, 3.9 Hz, 1H), 3.97-3.86 (m, 1H), 3.10 (dddd, J=14.0, 8.8,6.8, 0.4 Hz, 1H), 2.77 (dddd, J=13.2, 9.6, 7.6, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 2.44 (s,3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₈H₁₄ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 428.1. found428.1.

Example 6 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Trimethylaluminum (1.4 mL, 2 Min toluene, 2.8 mmol) was slowly addedunder nitrogen to a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-amine (0.24g, 1.4 mmol) and3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one (0.32g, 1.4 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL) at room temperature. Themixture was allowed to stir for 30 min before the reaction was carefullyquenched by adding a few drops of 1 N HCl. After bubbling subsided, thethick mixture was diluted with additional 1 N HCl and extracted withCH₂Cl₂ (3×20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was carried tothe next step without further purification.

b) To a solution of the crude alcohol intermediate (89 mg 0.21 mmol)from step a and triethylamine (90 μL, 0.65 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) wasslowly added methanesulfonyl chloride (25 μL, 0.31 mmol). The reactionmixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 1 h before it wasdiluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water. The organic layer wasseparated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was carried to the next step without furtherpurification.

c) To the crude mesylate intermediate (assumed 0.21 mmol) from step b intetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added sodium hydride (30 mg, 60% in mineraloil, 0.65 mmol) in one portion at room temperature. After stirring for30 min, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueousNH₄Cl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers werecombined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford the trifluoroacetatesalt of the titled compound (24 mg, 0.047 mmol, 20% over two steps) as awhite solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.66(dd, J=9.0, 4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.27-7.25 (m, 2H), 7.15 (dd, J=9.2, 8.4 Hz,2H), 5.07 (dd, J=9.5, 9.5 Hz, 1H), 4.05-3.91 (m, 1H), 2.97 (dddd,J=13.6, 8.4, 6.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.42 (dddd, J=13.6, 9.6,3.6, 3.6 Hz, 1H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₈H₁₅ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺394.1.found 394.1.

Example 7 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 6, substituting3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one for3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one instep 6a. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.64 (dd,J=8.8, 4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (dd, J=9.2, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 5.11 9(dd, J=8.8, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (ddd, J=9.2, 9.2, 4.0 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (ddd,J=9.6, 8.0, 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.10 (dddd, J=13.2, 8.8, 7.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 2.78(dddd, J=13.2, 9.2, 8.0, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 2.46 (s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₁₉H₁₅F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺394.1. found 394.1.

Example 8 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]piperidin-2-one

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 6, substituting3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one for3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]tetrahydropyran-2-onein step 6a. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.40 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.61(dd, J=9.0, 4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (dd, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.92 (dd, J=11.2,5.8 Hz, 1H), 3.98-3.85 (m, 2H), 2.88-2.72 (m, 1H), 2.46-2.35 (m, 1H),2.38 (s, 3H), 2.23-2.10 (m, 2H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₁₉H₁₆ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺442.1. found 442.1.

Example 9 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]piperidin-2-one

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 6, substituting3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one for3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydropyran-2-one forin step 6a. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.63(dd, J=8.8, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.25-7.22 (m, 1H), 7.15 (dd, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz,2H), 4.87 (dd, J=11.5, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.00-3.88 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H),2.56-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.46-2.37 (m, 1H), 2.37-2.20 (m, 2H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₁₉H₁₇F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 408.1. found 408.1.

Example 10 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]piperidin-2-one

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 6, substituting3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one for3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]tetrahydropyran-2-one instep 6a. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.61(ddd, J=9.2, 4.8, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (dd, J=9.2, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 6.34 (s,1H), 4.93 (dd, J=11.2, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 3.99-3.84 (m, 2H), 2.81 (dddd,J=13.6, 11.6, 10.4, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 2.46-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.17(dddd, J=13.6, 10.4, 6.8, 2.8 Hz, 1H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₁₉H₁₇F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 408.1. found 408.1.

Example 11 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[5-ethyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of 2-butanone (1.10 g, 15.3 mmol) and N,N-dimethylformamidedimethyl acetal (2.20 g, 18.3 mmol) was heated at 110° C. for 1 d. Aftercooling, the crude reaction mixture was carried directly to the nextstep.

b) A solution of 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.50 g, 15.3mmol) and 1-(dimethylamino)pent-1-en-3-one (assumed 15.3 mmol) from stepa in tetrahydrofuran (5 mL) was heated at 85° C. for 1 d. After coolingto room temperature, the mixture was diluted with CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) andwashed with water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude material by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 0-20% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the product (1.1 g,5.8 mmol, 37%) as a red oil.

c) Nitronium tetrafluoroborate (500 mg, 2.3 mmol) was added to asolution of 5-ethyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazole (420 mg, 3.2 mmol) fromstep b in anhydrous acetonitrile (10 mL) under nitrogen at roomtemperature. After stirring for 12 h, the mixture was concentrated invacuo and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 50% EtOAc/hexanes) togive the product (53 mg, 0.023 mmol, 9%) as a yellow oil.

d) A heavy-walled glass flask containing the product (53 mg, 0.023 mmol)from step c and 10% Pd/C (11 mg, 20 wt %) in MeOH (1 mL) and EtOAc (2mL) was fitted onto a Parr apparatus and agitated under H₂ at 45 psi.After 1.5 h, the reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celiteand the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford the product (45 mg,0.023 mmol, 99%) as a yellow solid. The crude material was carried tothe next step without further purification.

e) Trimethylaluminum (0.2 mL, 2 M in toluene, 0.39 mmol) was slowlyadded under nitrogen to a solution of5-ethyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-amine (45 mg, 0.023 mmol) from stepd and3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(76 mg, 0.28 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL) at room temperature. Themixture was allowed to stir for 30 min before the reaction was carefullyquenched by adding a few drops of 1 N HCl. After bubbling subsided, thethick mixture was diluted with more 1 N HCl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂(3×10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was carried tothe next step without further purification.

f) To a solution of the crude alcohol intermediate (assumed 0.23 mmol)from step e and triethylamine (110 μL, 0.78 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) wasslowly added methanesulfonyl chloride (25 μL, 0.31 mmol). The reactionmixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 1 h before it wasdiluted with CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water. The organic layer wasseparated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was carried to the next step without furtherpurification.

g) To the crude mesylate intermediate (assumed 0.23 mmol) from step fintetrahydrofuran (2 mL) was added sodium hydride (30 mg, 60% in mineraloil, 0.65 mmol) in one portion at room temperature. After stirring for30 min, the reaction was quenched by the addition of saturated aqueousNH₄Cl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers werecombined, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford the titled compound(51 mg, 0.11 mmol, 48% over three steps) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.60 (s, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=8.9, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (dd,J=8.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.04 (dd, J=9.1, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.06 (ddd, J=9.8, 8.4,5.4 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (ddd, J=9.7, 8.2, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 2.86 (dddd, J=14.0, 84,8.4, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.74 (dddd, J=14.4, 9.2, 8.8, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.65 (dddd,J=15.2, 7.6, 7.6, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 0.97 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H); MS:(ES) m/z calculated for C₂₀H₁₈ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺456.1. found 456.1.

Example 12 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 2, substituting 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-pyrazol-4-amine for1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-amine in step 2a. ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.38 (dd, J=8.9, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (dd,J=8.5, 8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.04 (dd, J=9.3, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (ddd, J=10.0,8.8, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 3.82 (ddd, J=10.0, 8.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 3.01-2.92 (m,1H), 2.92-2.84 (m, 1H), 2.80-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.21 (d, J=6.8,3 H), 1.11 (d, J=6.8, 3 H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₀ClF₄N₅O [MH]⁺ 470.1. found 470.1.

Example 13 Synthesis of1-[5-tert-butyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of pivaloylacetic acid methyl ester (5.80 g, 36.7 mmol) andN,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (5.24 g, 44.0 mmol) was heated at110° C. for 1 d. After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated invacuo to remove any volatiles and the crude material was carrieddirectly on to the next step.

b) A solution of 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (5.97 g, 36.7mmol) and methyl-2-(dimethylaminomethylene)-4,4-dimethyl-3-oxopentanoate(assumed 36.7 mmol) from step a in tetrahydrofuran (15 mL) was heated at85° C. for 1 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture wasdiluted with CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and washed with water. The organic layer wasdried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Purification ofthe crude material by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0-20% EtOAc/hexanes)afforded the product (5.0 g, 18.1 mmol, 50% over two steps) as a redoil.

c) A biphasic solution of methyl5-tert-butyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazole-4-carboxylate (5.00 g, 18.1mmol) from step b, lithium hydroxide monohydrate (2.77 g, 66.0 mmol) indioxane (20 mL) and water (20 mL) was heated at 80° C. with stirring for1.5 h. After cooling, the mixture was diluted with 1 N HCl and extractedwith CH₂Cl₂ (1×100 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude brown solid was usedwithout further purification

d) A solution of 5-tert-butyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazole-4-carboxylicacid (0.67 g, 2.6 mmol) from step c in thionyl chloride (2.0 mL) washeated to reflux with stirring for 20 min. The reaction mixture wascooled to room temperature and concentrated in vacuo. The crude materialwas azeotroped with toluene (2×10 mL) and placed under high vacuum forseveral hours before it was used in the next step.

e) To a solution of 5-ten-butyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazole-4-carbonylchloride (assumed 2.6 mmol) from step d in acetone (15 mL) was rapidlyadded a solution of sodium azide (0.50 g, 7.7 mmol) in water (2 mL). Themixture was stirred rigorously for 5 min at room temperature, wherebyprecipitation appeared. Filtration of the mixture afforded the product(0.49 g, 1.7 mmol) as a gray solid.

f) A solution of the acyl azide intermediate (86 mg, 0.030 mmol) fromstep e in toluene (0.5 mL) was heated at 110° C. for 10 min before 1 NHCl (0.7 mL) was added and the biphasic mixture was heated at 110° C.overnight. After cooling, the mixture was extracted with chloroform(2×10 mL). The combined organic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filtered,and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude material by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) afforded the product (40 mg, 0.017mmol, 57%) as a brown semisolid.

g) The material from step f was used in a procedure analogous to Example2, substituting 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-amine for5-tert-butyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-amine in step 2a to afford thetitled compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.38 (dd,J=9.2, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (dd, J=8.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.09-5.00 (m, 1H),4.08-3.99 (m, 1H), 3.83 (dq, J=8.0, 8.0, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 3.04-2.87 (m, 1H),2.80-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.17 (s, 9H); MS: (ES) m/z calculatedfor C₂₂H₂₂ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 484.1. found 484.1.

Example 14 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[(E)-1-methylprop-1-enyl]pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) The starting material3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-onewas prepared from a procedure analogous to Example 2, substituting1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methyl-pyrazol-4-amine for1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-pyrazol-4-amine in step 2a. A solutioncontaining3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(90 mg, 0.16 mmol), potassium (2Z)-2-butene-2-yltrifluoroborate (32 mg,0.20 mmol), PdCl₂(dppf) (6.0 mg, 0.0080 mmol), and aqueous 2 M sodiumcarbonate (0.25 mL, 0.49 mmol) in dioxane (5 mL) was heated to 80° C.for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture wasdiluted with water and extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×10 mL). The combinedorganic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. Purification of the crude material by flash chromatography (SiO₂,20-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the titled compound (33 mg, 0.070 mmol)as an off-white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.45 (dd,J=8.9, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (dd, J=8.0, 8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.73 (dddd, J=8.4,6.8, 6.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 5.02 (dd, J=9.2, 6.9 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (ddd, J=9.6,8.8, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (ddd, J=9.6, 7.9, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 2.92 (dddd,J=13.6, 13.6, 8.8, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.67 (dddd, J=13.6, 9.2, 8.0, 4.4 Hz,1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 1.69 (dd, 6.8, 1.2 Hz, 3H), 1.60 (dd, J=1.2, 1.2 Hz,3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₂H₂₀ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺482.1. found 482.1.

Example 15 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[5-cyclopropyl-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A solution containing3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(34 mg, 0.061 mmol), cyclopropylboronic acid (7 mg, 0.08 mmol),palladium acetate (1.0 mg, 0.003 mmol), tricyclohexylphosphine (2.0 mg,0.006 mmol) and potassium phosphate (45 mg, 0.21 mmol) in toluene (1.5mL) and water (100 μL) was heated to 100° C. for 1 d. After cooling toroom temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with water andextracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×10 mL). The combined organic layers were driedover MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material waspurified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1%TFA as eluent) to afford the titled compound (1.0 mg, 0.002 mmol, 3%) asa colorless residue. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.54 (dd,J=9.0, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.16 (dd, J=9.0, 8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.06 (dd, J=9.2, 6.3Hz, 1H), 4.11 (ddd, J=9.6, 8.4, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (ddd, J=9.6, 8.0, 4.8Hz, 1H), 2.98 (dddd, J=12.0, 9.6, 8.4, 6.4, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.74 (dddd,J=13.2, 9.2, 8.0, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.77 (dddd, J=8.4, 8.4,5.6, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 0.78-0.64 (m, 2H), 0.43-0.30 (m, 2H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₂₁H₁₈ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 468.1. found 468.1.

Example 16 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-sec-butyl-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A heavy-walled glass flask containing the product (27 mg, 0.056 mmol)from Example 14, platinum oxide (25 mg, 0.11 mmol), and concentratedhydrochloric acid (3 drops) in MeOH (5 mL) was fitted onto a Parrapparatus and agitated under H₂ at 45 psi. After 2 h, the reactionmixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the filtrate wasconcentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude material by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 20-50% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the titled compound(6 mg, 0.012 mmol, 22%) as a mixture of diastereomers. ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.9, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (dd, J=8.8,8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.02 (dd, J=9.2, 5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (dddd, J=10.0, 9.2, 6.0,5.6 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (dddd, J=10.0, 8.8, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.93-2.92 (m, 1H),2.79-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.56-1.42 (m, 1H), 1.20 (d, J=7.2 Hz,1H), 1.10 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 0.77 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₂₂H₂₂ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 484.1. found 484.1.

Example 17 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-propylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of methyl butyrylacetate (5.00 g, 34.7 mmol) andN,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (5.00 g, 41.6 mmol) was heated at110° C. for 1 d. After cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated invacuo to remove any volatiles and the crude material carried directly tothe next step.

b) A solution of 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (5.64 g, 34.7mmol) and methyl-2-(dimethylaminomethylene)-4,4-dimethyl-3-oxo-hexanoate(assumed 34.7 mmol) from step a in tetrahydrofuran (25 mL) was heated at85° C. for 1 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture wasdiluted with CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) and washed with 1 N HCl (1×50 mL) andsaturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (1×50 mL). The organic layer was dried overMgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material wascarried directly to the next step.

c) A biphasic solution of methyl1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-propylpyrazole-4-carboxylate (assumed 34.7 mmol)from step b, and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (7.3 g, 173 mmol) indioxane (40 mL) and water (20 mL) was heated at 80° C. with stirring for3 h. After cooling, the mixture was acidified with 1 N HCl and extractedwith CH₂Cl₂ (2×40 mL) and EtOAc (2×40 mL). The combined organic layerswere dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crudematerial was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 20-50%EtOAc/hexanes) to afford the product (6.65 g, 26.5 mmol, 76%) as a redoil.

d) To a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-propylpyrazole-4-carboxylicacid (0.76 g, 3.1 mmol) from step c in dioxane (8 mL) was addedtriethylamine (0.47 mmol, 3.4 mmol) and diphenylphosphoryl azide (0.65mL, 3.1 mmol). The mixture was left to stir for 2 h at room temperaturebefore it was heated to 90° C. and stirred for 30 min. The reaction wascooled to room temperature and benzyl alcohol (0.63 mL, 6.1 mmol) wasadded. The mixture was reheated to 90° C. and stirred at thattemperature overnight. After cooling, the mixture was diluted withdiethyl ether (50 mL) and washed with water. The organic layer was driedover MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of thecrude material by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 20-50% EtOAc/hexanes)afforded the product (0.91 g, 2.6 mmol, 84%) as a brown oil.

e) A heavy-walled glass flask containing the carbobenzyloxy-protectedamine (0.91 g, 2.6 mmol) from step d, concentrated hydrochloric acid (5drops), and 10% Pd/C (90 mg, 10 wt %) in MeOH (2 mL) and EtOAc (20 mL)was fitted onto a Parr apparatus and agitated under H₂ at 45 psi. After3 h, the reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and thefiltrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was diluted withEtOAc (40 mL) and washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (1×30 mL) toafford the product as dark oil (0.34 g, 1.5 mmol, 60%).

f) The product from step e was used in a procedure analogous to Example2, substituting 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-amine for1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-propylpyrazol-4-amine in step 2a to afford thetitled compound. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.39 (dd,J=8.9, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (dd, J=8.5, 8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.05 (dd, J=9.2, 5.9Hz, 1H), 4.04 (dddd, J=9.2, 8.8, 4.8 Hz, 1.2, 1H), 3.89 (ddd, J=9.6,8.0, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.90 (dddd, J=11.6, 8.8, 6.0, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.76 (dddd,J=13.6, 9.6, 8.4, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.66-2.51 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.35(dddd, J=14.8, 8.8, 6.8, 6.8 Hz, 2H), 0.75 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES)m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₀ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 470.1. found 470.1.

Example 18 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]oxepan-2-one

a) To a solution of 2-bromocyclohexanone (4 g, 22.6 mmol) indichloromethane (38 mL) was added m-CPBA (5.10 g, 29.5 mmol). Afterstirring at room temperature for 14 h, the reaction was cooled in afreezer for 6 h. The solid was filtered off and rinsed withdichloromethane (15 mL) twice. The filtrate was then quenched withaqueous saturated sodium thiosulfate (40 mL). The organic layers werewashed with water and brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentratedin vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 20% EtOAc/hexanes)gave the product as a white solid (3 g, 15.5 mmol, 69%).

b) To a solution of 3-bromooxepan-2-one (1 g, 5.18 mmol) in DMF (10 mL)was added 4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole (0.956 g,5.18 mmol), followed by potassium carbonate (1.07 g, 7.74 mmol). Thereaction mixture was then heated at 65° C. for 8 h. After cooling toroom temperature, the reaction mixture was partitioned between water (20mL) and ethyl acetate (30 mL). The organic layers were washed with waterand brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo.Purification by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 25% EtOAc/hexanes) gave thetitle product as a white solid (0.3 g, 1.01 mmol, 20%).

Example 19 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trilluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]azepan-2-one

a) To a solution of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]oxepan-2-one (0.05g, 0.168 mmol) in dichloroethane (1.0 mL) was added trimethylaluminum(126 μL, 2.0 M, 0.25 mmol) under nitrogen, followed by1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-amine (0.032 g, 0.168 mmol) indichloroethane (0.7 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 1h before it was carefully quenched with 1 N HCl (2 mL). The aqueouslayer was basified with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2 mL) andextracted with dichloromethane (2×5 mL). The combined organic layerswere washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude material was used directly in the following step.

b) Methanesulfonyl chloride (0.029 g, 0.25 mmol) was added to a solutionof the crude residue from step a and triethylamine (0.034 g, 0.34 mmol)in dichloromethane (1 mL) at room temperature. After stirring at roomtemperature for 1 h, the reaction was quenched with water. The aqueouslayer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×5 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude material was used directly in thefollowing step.

c) To a solution of the crude residue from step b in tetrahydrofuran (1mL) was added sodium hydride (0.01 g, 60%, 0.25 mmol), followed bysodium iodide (0.003 g, 0.02 mmol) at room temperature. The reactionmixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed to stir at that temperature for30 min. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture wasquenched with water and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethylacetate (2×25 mL) and the combined organic layers were washed withbrine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Theresulting crude product was purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to give the title compound asa white solid (0.011 g, 0.025 mmol, 15% for 3 steps). ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.13 (m, 2H), 4.5-4.40(m, 1H), 4.16-4.01 (m, 1H), 3.68-3.51 (m, 2H), 2.92-2.84 (m, 1H),2.45-2.38 (m, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.26-2.18 (m, 1H), 2.20 (s, 3H),1.98-1.85 (m, 1H), 0.95-0.77 (m, 1H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₂₁H₂₀ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 470.1. found 470.1.

Example 20 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]piperidin-2-one

To a solution of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-methylpyrazol-4-yl]piperidin-2-one (0.05g, 0.14 mmol) in DMF (1.0 mL) was added4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole (0.031 g, 0.17 mmol),followed by potassium carbonate (0.029 g, 0.21 mmol). After stirring atroom temperature for 1 h, the reaction was quenched with water. Theaqueous layer was then extracted with ethyl acetate (2×25 mL). Thecombined organic layers were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting crude product waspurified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1%TFA as eluent) to give the title compound as a white solid (0.015 g,0.025 mmol, 23%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.35 (m,2H), 7.22-7.13 (m, 2H), 4.94 (dd, J=9.9, 6.3 Hz, 1H), 3.90-3.70 (m, 2H),2.73 (dddd, J=13.2, 11.5, 9.8, 3.3 Hz, I H), 2.47-2.38 (m, 1H), 2.36 (s,3H), 2.31 (ddd, J=10.6, 5.4, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 2.17-2.12 (m, 1H), 2.13 (s,3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₀H₁₈ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 456.1. found456.1.

Example 21 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-phenylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) To a solution of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(0.063 g, 0.236 mmol) in dichloroethane (1.0 mL) was addedtrimethylaluminum (177 μL, 2.0 M, 0.354 mmol) under nitrogen, followedby 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-phenyl-pyrazol-4-amine (0.06 g, 0.236 mmol) indichloroethane (0.7 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 1h before it was carefully quenched with 1 N HCl (2 mL). The aqueouslayer was then basified with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2 mL)and extracted with dichloromethane (5 mL×2). The combined organic layerswas washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude material was used directly in the following step.

b) Methanesulfonyl chloride (0.041 g, 0.36 mmol) was added to a solutionof the crude residue from step a and triethylamine (0.049 g, 0.49 mmol)in dichloromethane (1 mL) at room temperature. After stirring at roomtemperature for 1 h, the reaction was quenched with water. The aqueouslayer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×5 mL). The combined organiclayers were washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude material was used directly in thefollowing step.

c) Sodium hydride (0.014 g, 60%, 0.35 mmol) was added to a solution ofthe crude residue from step b in tetrahydrofuran (1 mL) at roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed tostir at that temperature for 30 min. After cooling to room temperature,the reaction mixture was quenched with water and the aqueous layer wasextracted with ethyl acetate (2×5 mL) and the combined organic layerswere washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The resulting crude product was purified by reverse phase HPLC(C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to give the titlecompound as a white solid (0.025 g, 0.050 mmol, 21% for 3 steps). NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.89 (d, J=0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.28 (m, 3H), 7.25-7.14(m, 4H), 7.04-6.94 (m, 2H), 4.99 (dd, J=9.2, 6.8 Hz, 1H), 3.74-3.63 (m,1H), 3.56-3.45 (m, 1H), 2.78 (ddt, J=13.2, 8.7, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.55 (tq,J=13.4, 4.5 Hz, 1H), 2.38 (d, J=0.7 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₂₄H₁₈ClF₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 504.1. found 503.9.

Example 221-[1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

To a solution of1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(50 mg, 0.11 mmol) was added DMF (2 mL) and NaH (60% in mineral oil, 16mg, 0.33 mmol) slowly at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere.After stirring for 10 min at room temperature, MeI (34 μL, 0.55 mmol)was added and further stirred for 2 h. Saturated NH₄Cl solution (10 mL)was then added at 0° C. slowly to the reaction mixture followed byextraction with EtOAc (2×25 mL). The combined EtOAc layers were dried(MgSO₄), concentrated in vacuo, and purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to give1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(17 mg, 0.029 mmol, 27% yield) as a TFA salt. ¹H NMR (400 MHz,Methanol-d₄) δ 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=11.76 Hz, 2H),7.42 (d, J=11.76 Hz, 2H), 3.86-3.95 (m, 2H), 2.99-3.08 (m, 1H),2.58-2.80 (m, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.22 (d, J=23.4 Hz, 3H),1.20 (d, J=23.4 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₂H₂₃ClF₃N₅O[M+H]+466.9. found 466.1.

Example 23 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(furan-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Ethyl(ethoxyethylene)cyanoacetate (2.37 g, 14.0 mmol) and3-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (2.28 g, 14.0 mmol) were suspendedin ethanol (50 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for threedays, followed by the removal of EtOH under reduced pressure. The crudereaction mixture was suspended in dichloromethane and the insolublematerials were removed via filtration. The filtrate was concentratedunder reduced pressure and purified via silica gel column chromatography(5-20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford ethyl5-amino-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (930 mg, 3.73 mmol,27% yield).

b) Ethyl 5-amino-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (518 mg,2.08 mmol) was suspended in acetonitrile (5 mL) at ambient temperature.Diiodomethane (675 μL, 8.38 mmol) was added followed by isopentylnitrite (565 μL, 4.21 mmol). The reaction was heated at 50° C. for onehour and was then partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. Theaqueous layer was extracted twice more with ethyl acetate. The combinedorganic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After removalof solvents under reduced pressure, the crude material was purifiedusing silica gel column chromatography (10-25% ethyl acetate in hexanes)to afford ethyl 5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (589mg, 1.64 mmol, 79% yield).

c) Ethyl 5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (589 mg,1.64 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (5 mL), 1.5 NLiOH (1.6 mL) and methanol (1.5 mL) and the mixture was stirredovernight. Most of the tetrahydrofuran was removed by gently blowing astream of nitrogen over the reaction mixture. Water and 1 N HCl (2.4 mL)was added and the mixture was sonicated well to precipitate thecarboxylic acid. The carboxylic acid was filtered and rinsed with water.After drying under vacuum,5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid was obtained(488 mg, 1.47 mmol, 90% yield). This material was used for the next stepwithout further purification.

d) Tert-butyl alcohol (3.5 mL) was first dried by stirring overnight at50° C. in the presence of 4 A molecular sieves. To this solvent wasadded 5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (488 mg,1.47 mmol), followed by triethylamine (204 μL, 1.46 mmol) anddiphenylphosphoryl azide (334 μL, 1.54 mmol) at ambient temperature. Thereaction mixture was heated to 60° C. and stirred overnight. Thereaction was then diluted with ethyl acetate. Silica gel was added tothe reaction mixture and the solvents were removed under reducedpressure to preabsorb the crude materials onto silica gel. The materialwas then purified using silica gel column chromatography (6-20% ethylacetate in hexanes) to afford5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl-carbamic acid1,1-dimethylethyl ester (482 mg, 1.20 mmol, 81% yield).

e) To a vial containing5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl-carbamic acid1,1-dimethylethyl ester (150 mg, 0.372 mmol), was added2-(2,5-dihydro-3-furanyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3-2-dioxaborolane (100mg, 0.512 mmol) in toluene (2.5 mL). Dioxane (0.56 mL) was addedfollowed by aqueous potassium carbonate (2 M, 560 μL, 1.12 mmol).Nitrogen was flushed through the vial, followed by addition oftetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (20.1 mg, 0.0174 mmol). Thereaction was stirred at 100° C. overnight. After cooling to roomtemperature, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and water. Thelayers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted twice morewith ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of the solvent under reducedpressure, the crude material was purified using silica gel columnchromatography (5-33% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford the Suzukireaction product (55.4 mg, 0.160 mmol, 43% yield). This material wastreated with hydrochloric acid in dioxane (4 N, 1 mL) at ambienttemperature for two hours. After removal of excess hydrochloric acid anddioxane under reduced pressure, the crude material was dissolved inethyl acetate and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Theaqueous layer was extracted twice more with ethyl acetate. The combinedorganic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure to obtain the crude product whose majorcomponent was 5-(3-furanyl)-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-amino-1H-pyrazole (48.4mg).

f) The crude material from the previous step (48.4 mg) and3-(3-trifluoromethyl-4-chloro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone(47 mg, 0.18 mmol) was dissolved in dichloroethane (0.5 mL). To thismixture was added trimethylaluminum (2 M in toluene, 0.12 mL, 0.24 mmol)at room temperature. The reaction was stirred at room temperature fortwo hours. Hydrochloric acid (1 N) and dichloromethane were added andthe layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted withdichloromethane twice more. The combined organic layers were dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressureto afford the crude product (62.0 mg) which was dissolved indichloromethane (1 mL). At ambient temperature, triethylamine (84 μL,0.60 mmol) was added followed by dropwise addition of methanesulfonylchloride (19 μL, 0.24 mmol). The reaction was stirred at the sametemperature for thirty minutes. Saturated sodium bicarbonate solutionwas added and the product was extracted with dichloromethane threetimes. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crudeproduct was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (1 mL) at ambient temperature.Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in oil) was added in small portions untilno more bubbling was observed. The reaction was stirred at thistemperature overnight. Water and ethyl acetate were added to thereaction mixture and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer wasextracted with ethyl acetate twice more. The combined organic layerswere dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. This solution was passedthrough a pad of silica gel and rinsed well with ethyl acetate to removethe baseline impurities. This material was then concentrated underreduced pressure and further purified using reverse phase HPLC (C18column, 20-95% acetonitrile in water with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) toafford3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(furan-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(2.7 mg, 0.0055 mmol, 3% yield over 4 steps). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ7.80 (s, 1H), 7.31-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.33 (dd, J=8.0, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.14 (d,J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 7.04-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.45 (s, 1H), 5.03 (dd, J=9.6, 6.8 Hz,1H), 3.88 (ddd, J=9.4, 9.4, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (ddd, J=10.0, 8.4, 6.4 Hz,1H), 2.78-2.87 (m, 1H), 2.66 (dddd, J=17.2, 8.2, 4.3, 4.3 Hz, 1H), 2.40(s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₂H₁₆N₅O₂ClF₄ [M+H]⁺ 494.1. found494.0.

Example 24 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[5-cyclopropyl-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A reaction vial was charged with5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-carbamic acid1,1-dimethylethyl ester (150 mg, 0.372 mmol), cyclopropylboronic acid(43.0 mg, 0.504 mmol), tricyclohexylphosphine (10.0 mg, 0.0357 mmol),and potassium phosphate (276 mg, 1.30 mmol). Toluene (1.7 mL) and water(85 μL) were added. The reaction was flushed with nitrogen, followed byaddition of palladium acetate (4.2 mg, 0.019 mmol). The reaction mixturewas heated at 100° C. for two hours. More tricyclohexylphosphine (10.3mg, 0.0367 mmol) and palladium acetate (4.5 mg, 0.020 mmol) were addedand stirring was continued at 100° C. for five more hours. BrettPhos(2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-1,1′-biphenyl,10.7 mg, 0.0199 mmol) and palladium acetate (3.9 mg, 0.0174 mmol) wereadded and the reaction mixture was further stirred at 100° C. overnight.After cooling to room temperature, water and ethyl acetate were addedand the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted twicemore with ethyl acetate and the combined organic layers were dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of solvents under reducedpressure, the crude material was purified using silica gel columnchromatography (7-80% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the Suzukireaction product (41.4 mg, 0.130 mmol, 35% yield). To this product wasadded hydrochloric acid in dioxane (4 N, 1 mL) and the reaction wasstirred at ambient temperature for four hours. After removal of solventunder reduced pressure, the reaction mixture was partitioned betweenethyl acetate and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The layers wereseparated and the aqueous layer was extracted twice more with ethylacetate. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. Removal of solvent under reduced pressure gave5-(3-cyclopropyl)-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-amino-1H-pyrazole (25.6 mg, 0.118mmol, 91% yield) which was used in the next step without furtherpurification.

b) The product from the previous step (25.6 mg, 0.118 mmol) and3-(3-trifluoromethyl-4-chloro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone(49.0 mg, 0.182 mmol) was dissolved in dichloroethane (0.5 mL). To thismixture was added trimethylaluminum (2 M in toluene, 0.12 mL, 0.24 mmol)at room temperature. The reaction was stirred at room temperature fortwo hours. More trimethylaluminum (2 M in toluene, 0.7 mL, 1.4 mmol) wasadded and the reaction was further stirred at room temperature ofanother two hours. Hydrochloric acid (1 N) and dichloromethane were thenadded and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extractedwith dichloromethane twice more. The combined organic layers were washedonce with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over anhydroussodium sulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to affordthe crude product (73.2 mg) which was dissolved in dichloromethane (1mL). At ambient temperature, methanesulfonyl chloride (23 μL, 0.30 mmol)and triethylamine (105 μL, 0.753 mmol) were added. The reaction wasstirred at the same temperature for two hours. Saturated sodiumbicarbonate solution was added and the product was extracted withdichloromethane three times. The combined organic layers were dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of the solvent under reducedpressure, the crude product was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (1 mL) atambient temperature. Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in oil) was added insmall portions until no more bubbling was observed. The reaction wasstirred at this temperature for one hour. Saturated ammonium chloridesolution and ethyl acetate were added to the reaction mixture and thelayers were separated. The aqueous layer was then extracted with ethylacetate twice more. The combined organic layers were dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of solvent under reducedpressure, the crude product was treated with2-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1H-imidazole (16.7 mg, 0.111 mmol) andpotassium carbonate (90.2 mg, 0.653 mmol) in dimethylformamide (0.5 mL)at 55° C. for three hours. Ethyl acetate and water were then added tothe reaction mixture. The layers were separated and the aqueous layerwas extracted twice more with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layerswere dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of solventsunder reduced pressure, the crude material was purified using silica gelcolumn chromatography (50-60% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-(cycloprop-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one,which was further purified using reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, 20-95%acetonitrile in water with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) (15.0 mg, 0.0346mmol, 29% yield over three steps). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.61 (s,1H), 7.37-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.33 (ddd, J=9.6, 2.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.04-7.09(m, 1H), 5.04 (dd, J=9.6, 6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (ddd, J=9.6, 9.6, 4.8 Hz,1H), 3.89 (ddd, J=9.0, 8.0, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.97 (dddd, J=14.8, 8.4, 8.4,5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.73 (dddd, J=17.2, 8.4, 5.2, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H),1.79 (tt, J=10.4, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 0.71-0.82 (m, 2H), 0.36-0.40 (m, 2H); MS:(ES) m/z calculated for C₂₁H₁₈N₅OClF₄ [M+H]⁺ 468.2. found 468.1.

Example 25 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Hydrochloric acid in dioxane (4 N, 3 mL) was added to5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl-carbamic acid1,1-dimethylethyl ester (348 mg, 0.864 mmol) at ambient temperature. Thereaction was stirred overnight at the same temperature. Solvent wasremoved under reduced pressure. The crude material was dissolved inethyl acetate and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The layers wereseparated and the aqueous layer was extracted twice more with ethylacetate. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crudematerial was purified using silica gel column chromatography (20-60%ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford 5-iodo-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol(210 mg, 0.695 mmol, 80% yield).

b) The free amine from the previous step (211 mg, 0.695 mmol) and3-(3-trifluoromethyl-4-chloro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)dihydro-2(3H)-furanone(229 mg, 0.853 mmol) was dissolved in dichloroethane (2.3 mL). To thismixture was added trimethylaluminum (2 M in toluene, 0.7 mL, 1.4 mmol)at room temperature. The reaction was stirred at room temperature fortwo hours. More trimethylaluminum (2 M in toluene, 0.3 mL, 0.6 mmol) wasadded and the reaction was further stirred at room temperature foranother two hours. Hydrochloric acid (1 N) and dichloromethane wereadded and the mixture was passed through a pad of celite. The layerswere separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethanetwice more. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford thecrude product which was dissolved in dichloromethane (2 mL). At ambienttemperature, methanesulfonyl chloride (81 μL, 1.04 mmol) andtriethylamine (483 μL, 3.47 mmol) were added. The reaction was stirredat the same temperature for thirty minutes. Saturated sodium bicarbonatesolution was added and the product was extracted with dichloromethanethree times. The combined organic layers were dried over anhydroussodium sulfate. After removal of solvent under reduced pressure, thecrude product was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (7.5 mL) at ambienttemperature. Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in oil) was added in smallportions until no more bubbling was observed (approximately 54 mg, 1.4mmol). The reaction was stirred at this temperature for one hour.Saturated ammonium chloride solution and ethyl acetate were added to thereaction mixture and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer wasextracted with ethyl acetate twice more. The combined organic layerswere dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. After removal of the solventunder reduced pressure, the crude material was purified using silica gelcolumn chromatography (20-40% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to afford3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(126 mg, 0.227 mmol, 33% yield over three steps). This material wastriturated from methanol for further purification (yield 42.5 mg). ¹HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.45 (ddd, J=8.2, 8.2, 5.9 Hz, 1H),7.34 (dd, J=8.2, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (ddd, J=9.4, 2.0, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.16(ddd, J=8.2, 8.2, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.06 (dd, J=9.6, 6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.08 (ddd,J=9.6, 9.6, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (ddd, J=9.6, 8.0, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 3.00 (dddd,J=15.6, 8.4, 8.4, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.73 (dddd, J=17.2, 8.0, 4.8, 4.8 Hz,1H), 2.42 (s, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₈H₁₃N₅OClF₄I [M+H]⁺554.0. found 554.0.

Example 26 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[5-propyl-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Potassium carbonate (43.1 mg, 0.312 mmol) was added to a flaskcontaining3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(3-fluorophenyl)-5-iodo-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(83.0 mg, 0.150 mmol) followed by toluene (0.5 mL) and dioxane (0.1 mL).To this mixture was added4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(1-methylethenyl)-1,3-2-dioxaborolane (56 μL, 0.30mmol) followed by water (25 μL),2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl (SPhos, 6.2 mg, 0.015mmol) and palladium acetate (3.3 mg, 0.015 mmol). The reaction mixturewas flushed with nitrogen and stirred at 100° C. overnight. Aftercooling, water and ethyl acetate were added. The layers were separatedand the aqueous layer was extracted twice more with ethyl acetate. Thecombined organic layers were dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Afterremoval of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude material waspurified using silica gel column chromatography (30-100% ethyl acetatein hexanes) to afford the Suzuki product (24.4 mg, 0.0522 mmol, 35%yield). Some starting iodo compound was recovered as well as somedes-iodo byproduct. The Suzuki product was dissolved in a mixture ofethyl acetate (5 mL) and methanol (5 mL). Palladium on carbon (10%, wet,9.7 mg) was added. The mixture was hydrogenated using a Parr Apparatusat 35 psi hydrogen for one hour and then at 45 psi hydrogen for onehour. After purging the reaction mixture with nitrogen, more palladiumon carbon (10%, wet, 10.3 mg) and solvents (ethyl acetate:methanol=1:1,8 mL) were added and the reaction mixture was further hydrogenated at 45psi for one hour. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad ofcelite and thoroughly rinsed with ethyl acetate:methanol (1:1, 10 mL)mixture. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crudematerial was purified using a reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, 20-95%acetonitrile in water with 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid) to afford3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[5-propyl-1-(3-fluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(14.4 mg, 0.0306 mmol, 59% yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.60 (s,1H), 7.43 (ddd, J=8.0, 8.0, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.14-7.22 (m, 3H), 5.02 (dd,J=9.2, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (ddd, J=9.2, 5.2, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (ddd,J=9.6, 8.0, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.88 (dddd, J=14.4, 8.8, 8.8, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 2.73(dddd, J=17.2, 8.4, 5.6, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.57-2.68 (m, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H),1.35 (qt, J=9.6, 9.6 Hz, 2H), 0.74 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₂₁H₂₀N₅OClF₄ [M+H]⁺ 470.1. found 470.1.

Example 27 Synthesis of3-(4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-1-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-5-methylpyrrolidin-2-one

a) Trimethylaluminum (1.0 mL, 2 mmol, 2 M solution in toluene) was addedportionwise to a solution of1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-amine (219 mg, 1 mmol) andcis/trans-α-bromo-γ-valerolactone (358 mg, 2 mmol) in anhydrousdichloroethane (5 mL) under nitrogen at room temperature. After stirringfor 2 h, the reaction was quenched with water and the mixture dilutedwith 10 mL of EtOAc and 0.5 mL of 6 N HCl. The organic layer was washedwith water and brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The residue was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (6 mL) and Et₃N (0.25 mL, 1.8mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.13 mL, 1.65 mmol) were added.After stirring for 1 h, the reaction mixture was washed with 1 M NaHSO₄and the organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentratedin vacuo to give a yellow oil. The residue was dissolved in THF (10 mL)and NaI (30-40 mg) was added. Sodium hydride (90 mg, 2.3 mmol) was thenadded to the reaction slurry. After stirring for 16 h, the reaction wasquenched with saturated NH₄Cl and concentrated under reduced pressure toremove THF. The mixture was diluted with water (10 mL) and extractedwith EtOAc (3×5 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered,concentrated, and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 5-90%EtOAc/hexanes) to give the product (219 mg, 0.38 mmol, 38%) as colorlessoil.

b) To a solution of the product from step a (57 mg, 0.15 mmol) and4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole (138 mg, 0.75 mmol) inDMF (1 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (104 mg, 0.75 mmol). The slurry was heated to60° C. for 1 h and was then diluted with EtOAc (4 mL). The mixture waswashed with water and brine and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residuewas purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford a cis/trans mixture of the title compound(40 mg, 0.083 mmol) as a white solid. ¹H NMR of the cis/trans mixture(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.46 (s, 0.54H), 7.43 (s, 0.46H), 7.42-7.36 (m, 2H),7.20-7.15 (m, 2H), 5.11 (m, 1H), 4.35-4.27 (m, 0.46H), 4.10-4.01 (m,0.54H), 3.06-2.84 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.60 (m, 0.46H), 2.43 (s, 1.38H), 2.40(s, 1.62H), 2.34-2.25 (m, 0.54H), 1.40 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 1.62H), 1.37 (d,J=6.6 Hz, 1.38H), 1.17 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1.38H), 1.16 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1.62H),1.12 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1.62H), 1.04 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1.38H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₂₂H₂₃ClF₄N₆O [M+H]⁺ 484.1. found 483.9.

Example 28 Synthesis of1-(1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-5-methyl-3-(2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-onehydrochloride

The titled compound was prepared using the procedure as described forExample 27, substituting4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole for2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole in step b. ¹H NMR of cis/transmixture (400 MHz, CD₃OD) δ 8.50 (s, 0.64H), 8.43 (s, 0.36H), 7.64 (s,1H), 7.52-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.32 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.82-5.76 (m, 1H),4.26-4.20 (m, 1H), 3.16-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.82-2.79 (m, 3H), 1.48 (m, 1H),2.29 (m, 1H), 1.37 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.15 (m, 6H); MS: (ES) m/z calculatedfor C₂₂H₂₃F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 450.2. found 450.0.

Example 29 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropoxypyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of 4-iodo-fluorobenzene (2.42 g, 11 mmol),4-nitro-1H-pyrazole (1.00 g, 10 mmol), 8-hyroxyquinoline (0.15 g, 1mmol), CuI (0.192 g, 1 mmol), and potassium carbonate (2.78 g, 20 mmol)in DMSO (20 mL) was heated at 135° C. overnight. After cooling to roomtemperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with 30 mL of water andextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was subsequently washedwith aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (SiO₂,10%-20% EtOAc in hexanes) gave 1.02 g of the desired product (4.9 mmol,49%).

b) To a solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-nitro-pyrazole (1.02 g, 4.9mmol) in 10 mL of THF was added LiHMDS (1 M in THF, 5.8 mL, 5.8 mmol) at−78° C. under nitrogen. After 30 minutes 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexachloroethane(1.31 g, 5.5 mmol) in 6 mL of THF was added dropwise. The reactionmixture was stirred for an additional 1 hour followed by quenching with20 mL of aqueous saturated ammonium chloride. Upon warming to roomtemperature the mixture was extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer wasdried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting crudematerial was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 5%-15% EtOAc inhexanes) to provide 0.61 g of product (2.5 mmol, 52%).

c) To a solution of isopropanol (0.12 g, 2 mmol) in 1 mL of NMP wasadded NaH (0.085 g, 2 mmol) at 0° C. under nitrogen. After warming toroom temperature 5-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-nitro-pyrazole (0.24 g, 1mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was heated at 100° C. for 3hours. Upon cooling down to room temperature the reaction was quenchedwith aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate and extracted with EtOAc. Theorganic layer was subsequently dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude material was used directly in the nextstep.

d) A mixture of the crude residue from step c, iron powder (0.23 g, 4mmol), and 100 μL of aqueous 6 N HCl in 2 mL of EtOH was heated at 80°C. for 20 minutes. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reactionmixture was diluted with 20 mL of aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonateand 40 mL of EtOAc. The resulting suspension was stirred for 10 minutesthen filtered through Celite. The organic layer was separated, washedwith brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was used directly in the next step.

e) To a mixture of the crude residue from step d (0.042 g, 0.17 mmol)and 2,5-bis[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]cyclopentanone(0.053 g, 0.22 mmol) in 1 mL of dichloroethane was added Me₃Al (2 N intoulene, 180 μL, 0.36 mmol) at 0° C. After stirring at room temperaturefor 2 hours the reaction mixture was diluted with 30 mL of water andextracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was subsequently washed withaqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude material was used directly in the nextstep.

f) To a solution of the crude residue from step e and Et₃N (0.1 mL) in 1mL of CH₂Cl₂ was added MsCl (28 mL, 0.36 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 2 hours the reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL ofaqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate and 40 mL of EtOAc. The organiclayer was subsequently separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was useddirectly in the next step

g) To a solution of the crude residue from step fin 1 mL of THF wasadded NaH (0.019 g, 0.46 mmol) at 0° C. After 5 minutes at roomtemperature, the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 2 hours. Upon coolingdown to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL ofaqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate and 40 mL of EtOAc. The organiclayer was subsequently separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 60%-100% EtOAc in hexanes) gave the title compoundas a white solid (0.026 g, 0.056 mmol, 8.4% for 7 steps). ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.70-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.14 (m, 2H), 4.96(t, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 4.15 (p, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.89(q, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.93-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.41-2.26 (m, 1H),1.20 (m, 6H). MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₉H₂₀F₄N₆O₁ [M+H]⁺ 452.1.found 452.3.

Example 30 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-dimethylaminopyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of 5-chloro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-nitro-pyrazole (0.20 g,0.8 mmol) and dimethylamine (2 M in water, 0.80 mL, 1.6 mmol) in 1 mL ofDMF was heated at 80° C. for 2 hours. Upon cooling to room temperature,the reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL of water, and extracted withEtOAc. The organic layer was subsequently washed with brine, dried(Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material wasused directly in the next step.

b) A mixture of the crude product from step a, iron powder (0.14 g, 2.5mmol), and 100 μL of aqueous 6 N HCl in 1 mL of EtOH was heated at 80°C. for 20 minutes. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reactionmixture was diluted with 20 mL of aqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate,and 40 mL of EtOAc. The resulting suspension was stirred for 10 minutesthen filtered through Celite. The organic layer was separated, washedwith brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Thecrude material was used directly in the next step

c) To a solution of the crude residue from step b (0.053 g, 0.23 mmol)and 2,5-bis[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]cyclopentanone(0.064 g, 0.27 mmol) in 1 mL of dichloroethane was added Me₃Al (2 N intoluene, 130 μL, 0.27 mmol) at 0° C. After stirring at room temperaturefor 2 hours, the reaction mixture was diluted with 30 mL of aqueoussaturated sodium bicarbonate and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layerwas subsequently washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude material was used directly in the nextstep.

d) To a solution of the crude residue from step c and Et₃N in 1 mL ofCH₂Cl₂ was added MsCl (36 μL, 0.46 mmol). After stirring at roomtemperature for 2 hours, the reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL ofaqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate and 40 mL of EtOAc. The organiclayer was subsequently separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was useddirectly in the next step

e) To a solution of the crude residue from step d in 1 mL of THF wasadded NaH (0.019 g, 0.46 mmol) at 0° C. After 5 minutes at roomtemperature, the mixture was heated at 60° C. for 2 hours. Upon coolingdown to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with 20 mL ofaqueous saturated sodium bicarbonate and 40 mL of EtOAc. The organiclayer was subsequently separated, washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 60%-100% EtOAc in hexanes) gave the title compoundas a white solid (0.015 g, 0.034 mmol, 15% for 3 steps). ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.62-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.18-7.11(m, 2H), 4.98 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.94-3.78 (m,1H), 2.90-2.83 (m, 1H), 2.66 (s, 6H), 2.51 (s, 1H), 2.39-2.33 (m, 1H).MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₁₉H₂₀F₄N₆O₁ [M+H]⁺ 437.2. found 437.2.

Example 31 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-amine (0.070 g,0.32 mmol),3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(0.070 g, 0.30 mmol) and AlMe₃ (0.50 mL, 1.0 mmol, 2 M/toluene) washeated at 55° C. for 1.5 hrs. The mixture was then cooled to roomtemperature, diluted with aqueous ammonium hydroxide, and extracted withEtOAc. The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate, concentrated in vacuo, and purified by flash chromatography(SiO₂, 0˜20% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ gradient elution) to give3-[[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]amino]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]propan-1-ol(0.030 g, 24%).

b) A mixture of3-[[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]amino]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]propan-1-ol(0.030 g, 0.070 mmol), methanesulfonyl chloride (0.040 mL, 0.51 mmol)and NEt₃ (0.10 mL, 0.71 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2 mL) was stirred at rt for 10min. It was then concentrated in vacuo to afford the desired mesylate.

c) A mixture of the above mesylate (˜0.070 mmol) was stirred with NaH(0.050 g, 1.25 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in THF (4 mL) at rt for 10 min.It was then quenched with H₂O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL).The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentratedin vacuo and purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to afford the titled compound(0.022 g, 57%, TFA salt) as a white solid. NMR (TFA salt) (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.39 (dd, J=8.4, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.20(dd, J=8.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.05 (dd, J=10.6, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (m, 1H),3.82 (dd, J=9.0, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.01 (heptet, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.90 (m, 1H),2.60 (s, 3H), 2.41 (m, 1H), 1.222 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.218 (d, J=7.2 Hz,3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₁F₄N₅O (free form) [M+H]⁺ 436.2.found 436.2.

Example 32 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-amine (1.0 g,4.54 mmol), 3-bromotetrahydrofuran-2-one (0.462 mL, 5.0 mmol) and AlMe₃(3.4 mL, 6.8 mmol, 2 M in toluene) in DCE (50 mL) was stirred for 2 hrsat rt followed by 45 min at 50° C. The mixture was then cooled to roomtemperature, quenched with 1N HCl (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodiumsulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography(SiO₂, 0˜100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ gradient elution) to give2-bromo-N-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-4-hydroxy-butanamide(1.38 g, 79%).

b) A mixture of2-bromo-N-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]-4-hydroxy-butanamide(1.38 g, 3.59 mmol), methanesulfonyl chloride (0.36 mL, 4.65 mmol) andNEt₃ (0.75 mL, 5.35 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (50 mL) was stirred at 0° C. for 40min. The mixture was then quenched with water (50 mL) and extracted withEtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford the desired mesylate(1.65 g, 99%).

c) A mixture of the above mesylate (0.350 g, 0.75 mmol) was stirred withNaH (0.200 g, 5.0 mmol, 60% in mineral oil) in THF (7 mL) at 50° C. for30 min. It was then cooled to rt, quenched with saturated aqueous NH₄Cl(50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified byflash chromatography (SiO₂, 0˜80% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ gradient elution) to give3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.160 g, 58%).

d) A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.023 g, 0.063 mmol), 5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole (0.040g, 0.27 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.060 g, 0.43 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was stirredat 60° C. for 1 hr. It was then cooled to room temperature, quenchedwith water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layerwas separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated invacuo and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0˜100% EtOAc/hexanesgradient elution) to give the title compound (0.022 g, 80%). ¹H NMR (400MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J=9.2, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (dd,J=8.6, 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 5.05 (dd, J=9.2, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (m,1H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 2.84-3.02 (m, 2H), 2.74 (m, 1H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.21(d, J=7.6 Hz, 3H), 1.11 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₂₁H₂₁F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 436.1. found 436.1.

Example 33 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.080 g, 0.22 mmol), 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (0.045g, 0.31 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.070 g, 0.50 mmol) in DMF (2.5 mL) was stirredat 60° C. for 1 hr. It was then cooled to room temperature, quenchedwith water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layerwas separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated invacuo and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0˜100% EtOAc/hexanesgradient elution) to give1-[1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile(0.085 g, 88%).

b) A mixture of1-[1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl]pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-carbonitrile(0.082 g, 0.19 mmol) in ethane-1,2-diamine (1 mL), HOAc (0.1 mL) andEtOH (2.5 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 1 hr. The mixture was thencooled to room temperature, quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (50mL) and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was separated,dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford3-[3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.085 g, 94%).

c) A mixture of3-[3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.085 g, 0.18 mmol) and Dess-Martin periodinane (0.153 g, 0.36 mmol) inDMSO (2.5 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 1 hr. It was then cooled to roomtemperature, quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (50 mL), and extracted withEtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 0˜7% MeOH/EtOAc gradient elution) to give thetitle compound (0.070 g, 82%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 10.42 (s, 1H,br), 8.74 (dd, J=8.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (dd, J=4.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64(s, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=6.8, 4.6 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 7.18 (dd, J=8.6 Hz,2H), 6.94 (s, 1H, br), 5.94 (dd, J=9.2, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (m, 3H), 3.07(heptet, J=6.8, 1H), 2.75-2.95 (m, 2H), 1.33 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 3H), 1.28 (d,J=7.2 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₅H₂₃FN₈O [M+H]⁺471.2. found471.2.

Example 34 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-3-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-5-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-oneand3-[4-chloro-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-3-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.045 g, 0.20 mmol), 2-(4-chloro-5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)propan-2-ol(0.070 g, 0.40 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.05 g, 0.40 mmol) in DMF (1.5 mL) wasstirred at 60° C. for 1.5 hrs. It was then cooled to room temperature,quenched with water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL). Theorganic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,concentrated in vacuo and purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to yield two pure fractions.The first fraction corresponded to3-[4-Chloro-3-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.012 g, 13%). The second fraction corresponded to3-[4-Chloro-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-3-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.012 g, 13%). ¹H NMR of3-[4-Chloro-3-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.38 (dd, J=9.0, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.19(dd, J=8.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.02 (dd, J=9.6, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.68 (s, 1H, br),3.98 (m, 1H), 3.82 (m, 1H), 2.97 (heptet, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.85 (m, 1H),2.72 (m, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 1.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 6H), 1.24 (d, J=7.2 Hz,3H), 1.16 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); ¹H NMR of3-[4-Chloro-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-3-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.36 (dd, J=8.8, 4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.17 (dd,J=8.6, 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.13 (m, 1H), 4.08 (m, 1H), 3.76 (m, 1H), 3.16 (m,1H), 2.91 (heptet, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.88 (s, ! H, br), 2.65 (m, 1H), 2.18(s, 3H), 1.79 (s, 3H), 1.62 (s, 3H), 1.14 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.03 (d,J=7.2 Hz, 3H); MS (equal value for both compounds): (ES) m/z calculatedfor C₂₃H₂₇ClFN₅O₂ [M+H]⁺460.2. found 460.2.

Example 35 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.020 g, 0.055 mmol), 4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (0.024 g, 0.17mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.030 g, 0.22 mmol) in DMF (0.6 mL) was stirred at 60°C. for 1 hr. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, quenchedwith water (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (50 mL). The organic layerwas separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated invacuo and purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂Owith 0.1% TFA as eluent) to yield the title compound (0.022 g, TFA salt,75%); ¹H NMR (TFA salt) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H),7.51 (s, 1H), 7.39 (dd, J=8.4, 4.8 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (dd, J=8.6, 8.6 Hz,2H), 5.06 (dd, J=10.8, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (m, 1H), 3.83 (m, 1H), 2.98 (m,2H), 2.54 (m, 1H), 1.21 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.20 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); MS:(ES) m/z calculated for C₂₀H₁₉F₄N₅O (free form) [M+H]⁺ 422.1. found422.1.

Example 36 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.055 g, 0.15 mmol), (0.055 g, 0.23 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.042 g, 0.30mmol) in DMF (1.5 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for 1 hr. The mixture wasthen cooled to room temperature, quenched with water (30 mL) andextracted with EtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified byflash chromatography (SiO₂, 0˜100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ gradient elution) togive3-(4-chloro-3-iodo-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.057 g, 72%).

b) A mixture of3-(4-chloro-3-iodo-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.057 g, 0.11 mmol), Zn(CN)₂ (0.025 g, 0.21 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (0.010 g,0.011 mmol) and dppf (0.009 g, 0.016 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was heated at85° C. for 1 h under a N₂ atmosphere. The mixture was then cooled toroom temperature, quenched with sat. NaHCO₃ (30 mL,) and extracted withEtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydroussodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 0˜100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ gradient elution) to give4-chloro-1-[1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-5-methylpyrazole-3-carbonitrile(0.042 g, 92%).

c) A mixture of4-chloro-1-[1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-5-methylpyrazole-3-carbonitrile(0.042 g, 0.10 mmol) in ethane-1,2-diamine (1.5 mL), HOAc (0.23 mL) andEtOH (1.25 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 2.5 hrs. The mixture was thencooled to room temperature, quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (50 mL), andextracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer was separated, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford3-[4-chloro-3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.041 g, 87%).

d) A mixture of3-[4-chloro-3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-5-methylpyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.041 g, 0.087 mmol) and Dess-Martin periodinane (0.150 g, 0.35 mmol)in DMSO (2.0 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 1.5 hr. The mixture was thencooled to room temperature, quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (50 mL), andextracted with EtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified byreverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent) to yield the title compound (0.025 g, TFA salt, 50%). ¹H NMR(TFA salt) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.4, 4.8 Hz,2H), 7.16 (m, 4H), 5.15 (dd, J=8.6, 8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (m, 1H), 3.82 (m,1H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 2.97 (septet, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.70 (m,1H), 1.18 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.14 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/zcalculated for C₂₃H₂₃ClFN₇O (free form) [M+H]⁺ 468.1. found 468.1.

Example 37 Synthesis of3-[4-amino-3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.055 g, 0.15 mmol),4-amino-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile (0.050 g, 0.31 mmol)and K₂CO₃ (0.050 g, 0.36 mmol) in DMF (2.0 mL) was stirred at 60° C. for1 hr. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, quenched withwater (30 mL), and extracted with IPA:CHCl₃ (1:2 v/v, 100 mL). Theorganic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0˜10%MeOH/EtOAc gradient elution) to give4-amino-1-[1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl]pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile(0.055 g, 82%).

b) A mixture of4-amino-1-[1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-2-oxo-pyrrolidin-3-yl]pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile(0.055 g, 0.12 mmol) in ethane-1,2-diamine (1.5 mL), HOAc (0.23 mL), andEtOH (2.0 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 45 min. The mixture was thencooled to room temperature, quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (50 mL), andextracted with IPA:CHCl₃ (1:2 v/v, 100 mL). The organic layer wasseparated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuoto afford3-[4-amino-3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.057 g, 97%).

c) A mixture of3-[4-amino-3-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.057 g, 0.12 mmol) and Dess-Martin periodinane (0.100 g, 0.23 mmol) inDMSO (3 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 45 min. The mixture was thencooled to room temperature, quenched with sat. aq. NaHCO₃ (50 mL), andextracted with EtOAc (50 mL). The organic layer was separated, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo and purified byreverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent) to yield the title compound (0.035 g, TFA salt, 48%). ¹H NMR(TFA salt) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 11.96 (s, 1H), 11.12 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s,1H), 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=8.8, 4.4 Hz, 2H), 7.20 (dd, J=8.6, 8.6Hz, 1H), 7.05 (s, 2H, br), 5.74 (dd, J=9.2, 9.2 Hz, 1H) 3.94 (dd, J=8.4,4.4 Hz, 2H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.07 (septet, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.87 (m, 2H),1.31 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.27 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculatedfor C₂₄H₂₃FN₁₀O (free form) [M+H]⁺ 487.2. found 487.2.

Example 38 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.015 g, 0.041 mmol), 5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole (0.030 g, 0.22mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.030 g, 0.22 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was stirred at 60°C. for 40 min. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature, quenchedwith water (30 mL), extracted with EtOAc (50 mL), and purified byreverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent) to yield the title compound (0.014 g, 81%). ¹H NMR (400 MHz,CDCl₃) δ 7.70 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.38 (dd, J=8.8, 4.8 Hz,2H), 7.18 (dd, J=8.4, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.58 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (dd,J=8.8, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (m, 1H), 3.82 (m, 1H), 2.97 (heptet, J=7.6 Hz,1H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 1.20 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 1.12 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); MS:(ES) m/z calculated for C₂₀H₁₉F₄N₅O [M+H]⁺ 422.1. found 422.1.

Example 39 Synthesis of3-[4-chloro-5-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-1-yl]-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.035 g, 0.095 mmol), 4-chloro-3-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole(0.050 g, 0.27 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.050 g, 0.36 mmol) in DMF (0.8 mL) wasstirred at 60° C. for 40 min. The mixture was then cooled to roomtemperature, quenched with water (30 mL), extracted with EtOAc (50 mL),and purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with0.1% TFA as eluent) to yield the title compound (0.036 g, 78%). ¹H NMR(400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.47 (m, 2H), 7.34 (m, 2H), 5.05 (dd,J=9.2, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (m, 1H), 3.81 (m, 1H), 2.99 (heptet, J=6.8 Hz,1H), 2.87 (m, 1H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.22 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H),1.12 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₀Cl₂F₃N₅O[M+H]⁺486.1. found 486.1.

Example 40 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.110 g, 0.29 mmol), 2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (0.080g, 0.53 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.080 g, 0.58 mmol) in DMF (1.8 mL) was stirredat 65° C. for 2 hrs. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature,quenched with water (30 mL), extracted with EtOAc (50 mL), and purifiedby reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent) to yield the title compound (0.035 g, TFA salt, 21%). ¹H NMR(TFA salt) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.35 (m, 2H),7.27 (s, 1H), 5.03 (dd, J=10.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.89 (m, 1H), 3.81 (m, 1H),3.04 (heptet, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.40 (m, 1H),1.23 (m, 6H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₁ClF₃N₅O [M+H]⁺452.1.found 452.1.

Example 41 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-ethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of 3,3-dibromo-1,1,1-trifluoro-propan-2-one (5.40 g, 20mmol) and sodium acetate trihydrate (5.44 g, 40 mmol) in water (40 mL)was refluxed for 30 min and then allowed to cool to rt. A solution ofpropanal (1.04 g, 18 mmol) and conc. ammonium hydroxide (1.2 mL) in MeOH(100 mL) was added to the above mixture slowly. The resulting mixturewas stirred at rt for 3 days. The mixture was then concentrated in vacuoand extracted with IPA:CHCl₃ (1:2 v/v, 200 mL). The organic layer wasseparated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo,and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0˜6% MeOH/EtOAc and 0˜0.6%NH₄OH gradient elution) to give 2-ethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole(0.070 g, 2.3%).

b) A mixture of3-bromo-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropylpyrazol-4-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one(0.200 g, 0.52 mmol), 2-ethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (0.060 g,0.36 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.080 g, 0.58 mmol) in DMF (1.5 mL) was stirred at65° C. for 1.5 hrs. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature,quenched with water (30 mL), extracted with EtOAc (50 mL), and purifiedby reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent) to yield the title compound (0.0022 g, TFA salt, 1.0%). ¹H NMR(TFA salt) (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.35 (m, 2H),7.21 (s, 1H), 5.03 (dd, J=10.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (m, 1H), 3.81 (m, 1H),3.03 (heptet, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 1.40 (t, J=7.4Hz, 3H), 1.23 (m, 6H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₂H₂₃ClF₃N₅O [M+H]⁺466.1. found 466.1.

Example 42 Synthesis of(S)-1-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-oneand(R)-1-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one

a) To a solution of α-bromo-γ-valerolactone (19.8 g, 120 mmol) and2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-imidazole (4.50 g, 30 mmol) inacetonitrile (60 mL) was added K₃PO₄ (19.1 g, 90 mmol). The slurry washeated to 80° C. for 2 days, then cooled to room temperature, dilutedwith EtOAc (200 mL), filtered through Celite, and concentrated. Theresidue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0-3.5%methanol/CH₂Cl₂) to give the product as a pasty colorless solid.

b) A mixture of the lactone intermediate (700 mg, 5.1 mmol) from step aand (S)-phenylglycinol (1.09 g, 4.64 mmol) was heated at 80° C. for 18h, cooled to room temperature, and purified by flash chromatography(SiO₂, 0.5-2% methanol/EtOAc) to give two diastereomeric products ascolorless foams. The first eluting isomer (310 mg) was obtained in 99:1diastereomeric ratio (¹H NMR) and the second eluting isomer (200 mg) in11:1 diastereomeric ratio (¹H NMR). Each diastereomer was carriedthrough steps c and d independently.

c) To a mixture of the product from step b (186 mg, 0.5 mmol) in dioxane(2 mL) was added 6 M H₂SO₄ (1.25 mL, 7.5 mmol). The resulting slurry washeated at 80° C. for 1 h, cooled to room temperature, and purified byreverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent). The resulting lactone•TFA salt was neutralized to provide acolorless solid (53 mg, 0.23 mmol) that was used without furtherpurification.

d) A mixture of the lactone product from step c and1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-1H-pyrazol-4-amine (50 mg, 0.21 mmol) in1,2-dichloroethane (1 mL) was treated with AlMe₃ (2 M solution intoluene, 210 μL, 0.42 mmol) at room temperature for 30 min. The reactionwas quenched with saturated NH₄Cl (5 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×3mL). The organic layer was dried on MgSO₄, filtered, concentrated, andpurified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂) to give thedesired product (50 mg, 0.1 mmol, 50% yield).

e) The product from step d (50 mg, 0.1 mmol) in dichloromethane (0.5 mL)was treated with Et₃N (40 μL, 0.29 mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride(20 μL, 0.23 mmol) for 30 min at room temperature. The mixture was thendiluted with 1,2-dichloroethane (1 mL) and washed with water (1 mL). Theorganic layer was dried on Na₂SO₄ and filtered. To the filtrate wasadded triethylamine (100 μL, 0.7 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at65° C. for 90 min, concentrated, and purified by reverse phase HPLC (C18column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent). The resulting TFAsalt was neutralized to provide the titled compound (19 mg, 0.041 mmol)as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d,J=8.6, 2 H), 7.36 (d, J=8.6, 2 H), 7.22 (d, J=0.8 Hz, 1H), 5.07 (dd,J=10.5, 8.9 Hz, 1H), 3.91-3.77 (m, 2H), 3.05 (hept, J=7.0 Hz, 1H),2.90-2.82 (m, 1H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 2.42-2.31 (m, 1H), 1.24 (d, J=3.2 Hz,3H), 1.23 (d, J=3.2 Hz, 3H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₂ClF₃N₅O[M+H]⁺452.1. found 451.9. The titled compounds were analyzed by chiralnormal phase chromatography (Regis Cell cat #784104, 25 cm×4.6 mm, 5micron; eluent: 0.1% diethylamine/IPA, 0.6 ml/min). The (S)-enantiomergenerated from the first-eluting diasteromer from step b had a retentiontime of 6.8 min (isolated in 8:1 er). The (R)-enantiomer generated fromthe second-eluting diasteromer from step b had a retention time of 7.3min (isolated in 78:1 er).

Example 43 Synthesis of(3S)-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-oneand(3R)-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) To a cooled (0° C.) solution of methyl 4-methyl-3-oxo-pentanoate(1.72 g, 12 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) under N₂ atmosphere was added NaOMe(2.6 g of the 25 wt % solution in MeOH, 12 mmol) and1-azido-4-chloro-benzene (0.5 M in MTBE, 20 mL, 10 mmol). The mixturewas stirred at room temperature overnight, and MTBE was removed in vacuoto give the crude ester.

b) To the crude ester was added MeOH (5 mL) and 5 N NaOH (5 mL) at roomtemperature and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred for an hour.After removing MeOH in vacuo, the aqueous residue was cooled in anice-bath and 12 N aqueous HCl was slowly added until pH 2 at which pointa yellow solid was formed. The yellow solid was then collected byfiltration and dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL). EtOAc was then slowly removedin vacuo and towards the end, a white free flowing solid started toform. At this point, it was diluted with Et₂O (100 mL) to furtherprecipitate the white crystalline solid which was collected byfiltration to afford1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazole-4-carboxylic acid (830 mg, 3.13mmol, 31% yield).

c) To a cooled (0° C.) solution of1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazole-4-carboxylic acid (830 mg, 3.13mmol) in dichloromethane (3 mL) was added DMF (50 μL) followed by oxalylchloride (546 μL, 6.26 mmol) dropwise. After 5 min, the ice bath wasremoved and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. CH₂Cl₂was removed in vacuo to give1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazole-4-carbonyl chloride as a whitesolid which was used in the next step without further purification.

d) Sodium azide (610 mg in 2.5 mL of H₂O, 9.39 mmol) was added to acooled (0° C.) solution of1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazole-4-carbonyl chloride in acetone(7.5 mL). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30min, diluted with CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL), washed with water (50 mL) and brine(50 mL), dried (MgSO₄), and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazole-4-carbonyl azide (777 mg) whichwas used in the next step without further purification.

e) A solution of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazole-4-carbonylazide (777 mg, 2.67 mmol) in toluene (12 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for1.5 h. Aqueous HCl (8 M, 2.5 mL) was then added and the mixture wasstirred at 100° C. for 1 h, cooled to room temperature, and diluted withEtOAc (75 mL). Saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution was then slowly addeduntil pH 8. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄), concentrated in vacuo,and treated with Et₂O (50 mL) to crash out the unwanted ‘urea byproduct’which was removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuoto afford 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-thiazol-4-amine (497 mg) whichwas used in the next step without further purification.

f) To a solution of(3S)-3-[2-Methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(460 mg, 2.1 mmol) and 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-thiazol-4-amine(497 mg, 2.1 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (15 mL) at 0° C. was addedMe₃Al (2 M in toluene, 1.6 mL, 3.15 mmol). The mixture was then stirredat room temperature overnight, re-cooled to 0° C., quenched with 2 N HCl(3 mL), and neutralized with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (25 mL). EtOAc(100 mL) was added and the mixture was gently stirred. The organic layerwas collected and washed with brine (50 mL), dried (MgSO₄), andconcentrated in vacuo. The obtained crude was purified by automatedflash chromatography (SiO₂, 25% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂) to give(2S)—N-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]-4-hydroxy-2-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]butanamide(274 mg, 28% yield).

g) To a cooled (0° C.) solution of(2S)—N-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]-4-hydroxy-2-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]butanamide(274 mg, 0.583 mmol) in dichloromethane (5 mL) was added Et₃N (162 μL,1.17 mmol) followed by MsCl (60 μL, 0.728 mmol) dropwise. The resultingsolution was stirred at <10° C. for 30 min, then diluted with CH₂Cl₂ (50mL), washed with saturated aqueous NH₄Cl solution (30 mL), dried(MgSO₄), filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to obtain 350 mg of crude[(3S)-4-[[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]amino]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]-4-oxo-butyl]methanesulfonateas a yellow foam which was used in the next step without any furtherpurification.

h)[(3S)-4-[[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]amino]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]-4-oxo-butyl]methanesulfonate(350 mg, 0.607 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (7 mL) was treated with Et₃N(500 μL, 3.6 mmol) at 70° C. for 3 h. After cooling to room temperaturethe mixture was directly purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, EtOAcin CH₂Cl₂) and then by preparative reverse phase HPLC (C18 column,acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA as eluent) to obtain(3S)-1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-isopropyl-triazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-oneas a white powder as TFA salt (135 mg, 49% yield). ¹H NMR (400 MHz,Methanol-d₄) δ 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.67 (d, 2H, J=8 Hz), 7.55 (d, 2H, J=8 Hz),5.51 (t, J=19, 9 Hz, 1H), 4.11-3.90 (m, 2H), 3.18-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.92(dddd, J=12.7, 8.6, 6.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 2.74-2.59 (m, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H),1.21 (ddd, J=7.0, 2.1, 0.6 Hz, 6H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated forC₂₂H₂₃ClF₃N₅O [M+H]+453.9. found 453.1. The titled compound and itsenantiomer were analyzed by chiral normal phase chromatography. RegisPirkle Covalent (R,R) Whelk-O1 (Catalog 1-786201-300), 25 cm×4.6 mm, 5micron; eluent: 100% isopropanol, 0.6 mL/min, 13.2 min (R)-isomer and15.7 min (S)-isomer. The R-enantiomer was prepared in a similar fashion.

Example 44 Synthesis of1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyclobutyl-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) Pyridine (20.46 mL, 253 mmol) was added to a solution ofcyclobutanecarboxylic acid chloride (10.0 g, 84.3 mmol) andisopropylidene malonate (12.16 g, 84.3 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) at 0° C.and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. Methanol (100mL) was then added and the resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 3h, cooled to room temperature, and partitioned between aqueous HCl (1 M,200 mL) and EtOAc (500 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo, and purified by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 0˜20% EtOAc/hexanes gradient elution) to givemethyl 3-cyclobutyl-3-oxo-propanoate (11.6 g, 88% yield).

b) A mixture of methyl 3-cyclobutyl-3-oxo-propanoate (5.8 g, 37.2 mmol)and N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (25 g, 210 mmol) was stirredat 100° C. for 1 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture wasconcentrated in vacuo to give an oily residue that was directly carriedto the next step.

c) A mixture of the intermediate (˜37.2 mmol) obtained in step b,4-chlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride (6.67 g, 37.2 mmol) and K₂CO₃(10.3 g, 74.4 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 1 h. Aftercooling to room temperature the mixture was diluted with aqueous HCl(200 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (500 mL). The organic layer wasseparated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo,and purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0-10% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ gradientelution) to give methyl1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyclobutyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (8.3 g, 76%yield).

d) A mixture of methyl1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyclobutyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (8.3 g, 28.5mmol) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (3.6 g, 85.6 mmol) in MeOH (25mL), THF (25 mL) and H₂O (12 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 1 h. Aftercooling to room temperature the mixture was acidified with 1 M aqueousHCl and extracted with EtOAc (400 mL). The organic layer was separated,dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyclobutyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid (6.92 g, 87%yield).

e) To a mixture of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cyclobutyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylicacid (4.0 g, 14.4 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (100 mL) was added oxalyl chloride(3.78 mL, 43.4 mmol) and DMF (0.06 mL). After 2 h at room temperature,the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, re-dissolved in 40 mL ofacetone, and added to a 0° C. solution of NaN₃ (3.75 g, 57.8 mmol) inH₂O (40 mL). Brine (150 mL) and EtOAc (350 mL) were then added. Theorganic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, andconcentrated in vacuo. The residue was stirred in 100 mL of toluene at95° C. for 1 h, cooled to room temperature, and then treated with 150 mLof 6 M aqueous HCl at 110° C. for 1 h. After cooling to roomtemperature, the mixture was basified with dilute NH₄OH and extractedwith EtOAc (500 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried overanhydrous sodium sulfate, concentrated in vacuo, and purified by flashchromatography (SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂ gradient elution) to yield1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cylocbutyl-pyrazol-4-amine (2.9 g, 81% yield).

f) A mixture of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-cylocbutyl-pyrazol-4-amine (0.080g, 0.32 mmol) and3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(0.080 g, 0.34 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL) was treated with Me₃Al(0.32 mL, 0.64 mmol, 2 M/toluene) at room temperature for 1.5 h. Thereaction mixture was then quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃solution and extracted with EtOAc (100 mL). The organic layer wasseparated, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated invacuo to obtain the desired alcohol intermediate.

g) A 0° C. solution of the alcohol intermediate (˜0.32 mmol) obtained instep f and Et₃N (0.067 mL, 0.48 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (1.5 mL) was treatedwith methanesulfonyl chloride (0.027 mL, 0.35 mmol) for 10 min. Themixture was then basified with saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ solution andextracted with EtOAc (500 mL). The organic layer was separated, driedover anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford thedesired mesylate.

h) A mixture of the mesylate (˜0.032 mmol) obtained in step g and Et₃N(0.15 mL, 1.07 mmol in 1,2-dichloroethane (3 mL) was stirred at 75° C.for 3 h. After cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture wasdirectly purified by flash chromatography (SiO₂, 0-100% EtOAc/CH₂Cl₂),followed by reverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1%TFA as eluent) to afford the titled compound (0.060 g, 40% yield, freeform). ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 7.36 (m,2H), 7.23 (d, J=1.2 Hz, 1H), 4.95 (dd, J=9.2, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (m, 2H),3.71 (m, 1H), 2.84 (m, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.36 (m, 1H), 1.99 (m, 6H);MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₂H₂₁ClF₃N₅O [M H]⁺464.1. found 464.1.

Example 45 Synthesis of(3S)-1-[1-(4-chloro-3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]pyrrolidin-2-one

a) A mixture of methyl 4-methyl-3-oxo-pentanoate (1.98 g, 13.7 mmol) andN,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (1.95 g, 16.4 mmol) was stirred at100° C. for 1 d. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixturewas concentrated in vacuo to remove volatiles and the crude materialcarried out directly to the next step.

b) A solution of 4-chloro-3-methoxyphenylhydrazine hydrochloride (3.0 g,14.4 mmol) and methyl(2Z)-2-(dimethylaminomethylene)-4-methyl-3-oxo-pentanoate (assumed 13.7mmol) from step a in DMF (15 mL) was stirred at 100° C. for 8 h. Aftercooling to room temperature, the mixture was treated with ice (10 g) andstirred for 5 h. The mixture was filtered and washed with water (15 mL).The solid was collected, dried on high vacuum pump, and carried directlyto the next step.

c) A biphasic solution of methyl1-(4-chloro-3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylate fromstep b (assumed 13.7 mmol) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (1.2 g,22.6 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (20 mL) and water (16 mL) was heated at60° C. with stirring for 1.5 h. After cooling, the mixture wasevaporated and diluted with 1 N HCl and extracted with EtOAc (2×60 mL).The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. The crude brown solid was triturated with a mixture of chloroformand hexane (1:4) to afford the product (2.83 g, 9.60 mmol, 70% yield) asa white solid.

d) To a solution of methyl1-(4-chloro-3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid(0.8 g, 2.71 mmol) from step c in dichloromethane (8.0 mL) was addedoxalyl chloride (0.27 mL) and 5 drops of DMF. The mixture was stirredfor 3 h and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was dried underhigh vacuum for several hours before it was used in the next step.

e) To a solution of methyl1-(4-chloro-3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazole-4-carbonyl chloride(assumed 2.71 mmol) from step d in acetone (7 mL) was rapidly added asolution of sodium azide (0.50 g, 7.7 mmol) in water (3 mL). The mixturewas stirred vigorously for 1 h at room temperature. Dichloromethane (12mL) was added in and the layers were separated. The organic layer waswashed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated, and usedwithout further purification.

f) A solution of the acyl azide intermediate (assumed 2.71 mmol) fromstep e in toluene (20 mL) was heated at 95° C. for 30 min before 1 N HCl(5 mL) was added and the biphasic mixture was heated at 95° C.overnight. After cooling, the mixture was treated with sodium hydroxidesolution (2 N) and extracted with chloroform (2×20 mL). The combinedorganic layers were dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated invacuo. Purification of the crude material by flash chromatography (SiO₂,5% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) afforded the product (504 mg, 1.90 mmol, 70% yield) as alight brown solid.

g) Trimethylaluminum (0.16 mL, 2 M in toluene, 0.32 mmol) was slowlyadded under nitrogen to a solution of the1-(4-chloro-3-methoxy-phenyl)-5-isopropyl-pyrazol-4-amine (57 mg, 0.21mmol) and(3R)-3-[2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)imidazol-1-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-one(50 mg, 0.21 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL) at room temperature. Themixture was allowed to stir for 30 min. The reaction was carefullyquenched by adding a few drops of 1 N HCl. After bubbling subsided, thethick mixture was diluted with more 1 N HCl and extracted with CH₂Cl₂(2×20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude material was carried tothe next step without further purification.

h) To a solution of the crude alcohol intermediate (assumed 0.21 mmol)from step g and triethylamine (0.10 mL, 0.63 mmol) in dichloromethane (3mL) was slowly added methanesulfonyl chloride (0.025 mL, 0.32 mmol). Thereaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 15 minbefore it was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. Theorganic layer was separated, dried over MgSO₄, filtered, andconcentrated in vacuo. The crude material was carried to the next stepwithout further purification.

i) To the crude mesylate intermediate from step h (assumed 0.21 mmol) in1,2-dichloroethane (2 mL) was added triethylamine (0.059 mL, 0.42 mmol).After stirring at 60° C. for 2 h, the reaction was quenched by theaddition of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and extracted withCH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried over MgSO₄,filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The crude residue was purified byreverse phase HPLC (C18 column, acetonitrile-H₂O with 0.1% TFA aseluent) to afford the titled compound (20 mg, 0.042 mmol, 20% yield overthree steps) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.63 (d, J=0.6Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 7.02-6.90 (m, 2H), 5.06(dd, J=9.1, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 3.98-3.79 (m, 5H), 3.08 (dt, J=14.1, 7.4 Hz,1H), 2.93 (dt, J=14.3, 7.5 Hz, 1H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.47-2.35 (m, 1H),1.25 (dd, J=7.1, 2.7 Hz, 6H); MS: (ES) m/z calculated for C₂₂H₂₃ClF₃N₅O₂[M+H]⁺ 482.1. found 481.9.

Example 46

This example illustrates the evaluation of the biological activityassociated with compounds of interest of the invention.

Materials and Methods

A. Cells

1. CCR1 Expressing Cells

a) THP-1 cells

THP-1 cells were obtained from ATCC (TIB-202) and cultured as asuspension in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine, 1.5g/L sodium bicarbonate, 4.5 g/L glucose, 10 mM HEPES, 1 mM sodiumpyruvate, 0.05% 2-mercaptoethanol and 10% FBS. Cells were grown under 5%CO₂/95% air, 100% humidity at 37° C. and subcultured twice weekly at 1:5(cells were cultured at a density range of 2×10⁵ to 2×10⁶ cells/mL) andharvested at 1×10⁶ cells/mL. THP-1 cells express CCR1 and can be used inCCR1 binding and functional assays.

2. Chemotaxis Assays

Chemotaxis assays were performed using 5 μm pore polycarbonate,polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated filters in 96-well chemotaxis chambers(Neuroprobe; Gaithersburg, Md.) using chemotaxis buffer (Hank's balancedsalt solution (HBSS) and 1% FBS). CCR1 chemokine ligands (i.e., MIP-1α,CCL15/Leukotactin; R&D Systems; Minneapolis, Minn.) are use to evaluatecompound mediated inhibition of CCR1 mediated migration. Otherchemokines (i.e., SDF-1α; R&D Systems; Minneapolis, Minn.) are used asspecificity controls. The lower chamber was loaded with 29 μA ofchemokine (i.e., 0.1 nM CCL15/Leukotactin) and varying amounts ofcompound; the top chamber contained 100,000 THP-1 or monocyte cells in20 μl. The chambers were incubated 1-2 hours at 37° C., and the numberof cells in the lower chamber quantified either by direct cell counts infive high powered fields per well or by the CyQuant assay (MolecularProbes), a fluorescent dye method that measures nucleic acid content andmicroscopic observation.

B. Identification of Inhibitors of CCR1

One of the primary functions of chemokines is their ability to mediatethe migration of chemokine receptor-expressing cells, such as whiteblood cells. To confirm that a compound of interest inhibited not onlyCCR1 specific binding and signaling (at least as determined by calciummobilization assays), but also CCR1 mediated migration, a chemotaxisassay was employed. THP-1 myelomonocytic leukemia cells, which resemblemonocytes, as wells as freshly isolated monocytes, were used as targetsfor chemoattraction by CCR1 chemokine ligands (i.e., MIP-1α,CCL15/leukotactin). Cells were placed in the top compartment of amicrowell migration chamber, while MIP-1α (or other potent CCR1chemokine ligand) and increasing concentrations of a compound ofinterest was loaded in the lower chamber. In the absence of inhibitor,cells will migrate to the lower chamber in response to the chemokineagonist; if a compound inhibited CCR1 function, then the majority ofcells will remain in the upper chamber. To ascertain a compound ofinterest's affinity for CCR1 as well as to confirm its ability toinhibit CCR1 mediated cell migration, inhibitory activity was titeredover a 1×10⁻¹⁰ to 1×10⁻⁴ M range of compound concentrations in thischemotaxis assay. In this assay, the amount of compound was varied;while cell number and chemokine agonist concentrations were heldconstant. After the chemotaxis chambers were incubated 1-2 hours at 37°C., the responding cells in the lower chamber were quantified bylabeling with the CyQuant assay (Molecular Probes), a fluorescent dyemethod that measures nucleic acid content, and by measuring with aSpectrafluor Plus (Tecan). The computer program Prism from GraphPad,Inc. (San Diego, Calif.) was used to calculate IC₅₀ values. IC₅₀ valuesare those compound concentrations required to inhibit the number ofcells responding to a CCR1 agonist by 50%.

1. In Vivo Efficacy

a) Rabbit Model of Destructive Joint Inflammation

A rabbit LPS study was conducted essentially as described in Podolin, etal. J. Immunol. 169(11):6435-6444 (2002). Female New Zealand rabbits(approximately 2 kilograms) were treated intra-articularly in both kneeswith LPS (10 ng). The compound of interest, for example 1.016,(formulated in 1% methocel) or vehicle (1% methocel) was dosed orally ata 5 ml/kg dose volume at two times (2 hours before the intra-articularLPS injection and 4 hours after the intra-articular LPS injection).Sixteen hours after the LPS injection, knees were lavaged and cellscounts were performed. Beneficial effects of treatment were determinedby reduction in the number of inflammatory cells recruited to theinflamed synovial fluid of the knee joints. Treatment with the compoundof interest resulted in a significant reduction in recruitedinflammatory cells.

b) Evaluation of a Compound of Interest in a Rat Model of CollagenInduced Arthritis

A 17 day developing type II collagen arthritis study is conducted toevaluate the effects of a compound of interest on arthritis inducedclinical ankle swelling. Rat collagen arthritis is an experimental modelof polyarthritis that has been widely used for preclinical testing ofnumerous anti-arthritic agents (see Trentham, et al., J. Exp. Med.146(3):857-868 (1977), Bendele, et al., Toxicologic Pathol. 27:134-142(1999), Bendele, et al., Arthritis Rheum. 42:498-506 (1999)). Thehallmarks of this model are reliable onset and progression of robust,easily measurable polyarticular inflammation, marked cartilagedestruction in association with pannus formation and mild to moderatebone resorption and periosteal bone proliferation.

Female Lewis rats (approximately 0.2 kilograms) are anesthetized withisoflurane and injected with Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant containing 2mg/mL bovine type II collagen at the base of the tail and two sites onthe back on days 0 and 6 of this 17 day study. A compound of interest isdosed daily in a sub-cutaneous manner from day 0 till day 17 at aefficacious dose. Caliper measurements of the ankle joint diameter aretaken, and reduced joint swelling is taken as a measure of efficacy.

Murine Model of Dermatological Disease

Compounds of the invention can be assessed in the murine model of dermaldelayed type hypersensitivity induced by oxazolone. Briefly, 8-10 weekold BALB/c mice are sensitized topically with a 1% solution of oxazolonedissolved in ethanol on their shaved abdomens on day 0. On day 6 postsensitization mice are dosed orally with either vehicle or increasingdoses of a compound of the invention immediately prior to and 4 hoursfollowing a topical challenge with a 0.5% solution of oxazolone inethanol on the right ear. The following day (day 7), ear thicknesses aremeasured using caliper measurements. Animals treated with compound havesignificantly reduced ear swelling compared to vehicle treated controlsindicating a compound mediated decrease in oxazolone induced dermalhypersensitivity.

Murine Asthma Model

Compounds of the invention can be assessed in the murine model ofallergic asthma. Asthma is induced in 8-10 week old BALB/c mice bysensitizing mice with OVA in Alum adjuvant on days 0 and 10. On day 20mice are challenged with OVA in PBS intranasally to elicit airwayinflammation. Groups of mice are either treated with vehicle, orincreasing doses of a compound of the invention starting on day 20 andlasting until day 23. Animals are analyzed at day 23 after theintranasal OVA challenge for cellular infiltrates in bronchoalveolarlavage (BAL). A significant reduction in BAL leukocyte numbers relativeto vehicle treated mice indicates the compound is effective in thismodel.

Murine Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This example describes a procedure to evaluate efficacy of CCR1antagonists for treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). FemaleNZB/W FI mice spontaneously develop an SLE-like pathology commencing at6 months of age that is characterized by proteinuria, serumautoantibodies, glomerulonephritis, and eventually death. Three seriesof NZB/W FI mouse groups comprising 20 mice per group are tested forefficacy of CCR1 antagonist as follows: One series of mice additionallyreceives phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and Tween 0.5% i.p. soon afterweaning, and thereafter at varying dosing schedules. A second seriesconsists of groups of mice receiving different doses of the CCR1antagonist given either intra-peritoneally, intra-venously,sub-cutaneously, intramuscularly, orally, or via any other mode ofadministration soon after weaning, and thereafter at varying dosingschedules. A third series of mice, serving as positive control, consistsof groups treated with anti-IL10 antibodies given soon after weaning,and thereafter at varying dosing schedules. Disease development ismonitored in terms of eventual mortality, kidney histology, serumautoantibody levels, and proteinuria.

Murine Model of Cancer

This example describes a procedure to evaluate efficacy of CCR1antagonists for treatment of malignancy. Normal mouse strains can betransplanted with a variety of well-characterized mouse tumor lines,including a mouse thymoma EL4 which has been transfected with OVA toallow easy evaluation of tumor specific antigen responses followingvaccination with OVA. Three series of mouse groups from any of thesetumor models are tested for CCR1 antagonist efficacy as follows: Oneseries of mice additionally receives PBS and Tween 0.5% i.p. soon aftertumor transplant, and thereafter at varying dosing schedules. A secondseries consists of groups of mice receiving different doses of the CCR1antagonist given either intra-peritoneally, intra-venously,sub-cutaneously, intramuscularly, orally, or via any other mode ofadministration soon after tumor transplant, and thereafter at varyingdosing schedules. A third series of mice, serving as positive control,consists of groups treated with either anti-IL4 antibodies, anti-IFNgantibodies, IL4, or TNF, given i.p. soon after tumor transplant, andthereafter at varying dosing schedules. Efficacy is monitored via tumorgrowth versus regression. In the case of the OVA-transfected EL4 thymomamodel, cytolytic OVA-specific responses can be measured by stimulatingdraining lymph node cells with OVA in vitro, and measuringantigen-specific cytotoxicity at 72 hours.

Murine Model of Psoriasis

This example describes procedures to evaluate the efficacy of CCR1antagonists in psoriasis. A rodent model of psoriasis can be obtained byintra-venously transferring a population of purified T cells (designatedCD45Rbhi T cells) obtained from the spleens of BALB/c mice intoimmunodeficient recipient CB.17 scid/scid mice. Mice develop signs ofredness, swelling, and skin lesions resembling those of human psoriasisin their ear, feet and tail by 8 weeks after transfer. Three series ofmouse groups, comprising 10-15 CB.17 scid/scid mice per group, areinjected with purified CD45Rbhi T cells. One series of mice additionallyreceives phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and Tween 0.5% i.p. at theinitial cell transfer, and at different dosing schedules thereafter. Asecond series consists of groups of mice receiving different doses ofthe CCR1 antagonist given either intra-peritoneally, intra-venously,sub-cutaneously, intra-muscularly, orally, or via any other mode ofadministration at the initial cell transfer, and at different dosingschedules thereafter. A third series of mice, serving as positivecontrol, consists of groups treated with antibodies to either IL-12,IL-4, IFNg, or TNF, or with cytokine IL-10 at the initial cell transfer,and at different dosing schedules thereafter. Animals are monitored fordevelopment of psoriatic-like lesions for 3 months after cell transfer.

Murine Model of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The MDR1a-knockout mice, which lack the P-glycoprotein gene,spontaneously develop colitis under specific pathogen-free condition.The pathology in these animals has been characterized as Th1-type Tcell-mediated inflammation similar to ulcerative colitis in humans.Disease normally begins to develop at around 8-10 weeks after birth.However the ages at which disease emerges and the ultimate penetrancelevel often vary considerably among different animal facilities. In astudy using the MDR1a-knockout mice, a CCR1 antagonist can be evaluatedprophylacticly or therapeutically depending on time of administration.Female mice (n=34) are dosed with a compound of interest as appropriateto the compound eg daily in a sub-cutaneous manner at a efficaciousdose. The study is evaluated for IBD associated growth retardation andscoring of anal discharge and irritation. A compound which reduces analdischarge and irritation or inhibits IBD associated growth retardationindicates efficacy of compound in this indication.

Murine Model of Solid Tumors

The mouse RENCA tumor model accurately mimics the progression of humanadult renal cell carcinoma specifically with reference to spontaneousmetastasis to lungs and serves as a model for solid tumors. Balb/c 6-8week old female mice are inoculated with approximately 5 e5 RENCA cells(mouse renal adenocarcinoma; ATCC cat# CRL-2947) under the kidneycapsule and kidney tumor growth is observed over 22 days, with lungmetastasis observed as early as day 15. Animals are dosed with eithervehicle or a compound of the invention eg daily subcutaneously, from thetime of tumor implantation to monitor effects on primary growth, or at alater time (eg day 7) to monitor the compound effect on metastasis.Primary tumor areas are measured twice a week using mechanical calipers.Tumor volumes are calculated by the formula v=pab2/6, where a is thelongest diameter and b is the next longest diameter perpendicular to a.A reduction in tumor volume or incidence of metastasis indicatesefficacy of compound in this indication.

Murine Model of Inflammation

A method of inducing peritoneal inflammation by the introduction of 3%thioglycolate into the peritoneum is well know in the art. Following theintroduction of thioglycolate, a rapid influx of immune cells to thesite, primarily CCR1 bearing neutrophils, results in local inflammationat 24 hours. A peritoneal exudate can be sampled, and the cell numberand composition can be assessed to determine the anti-inflammatoryproperties of a compound of interest administered before, during orafter the thioglycolate induction. When employed in this assay, compound1.042 of the invention resulted in a dramatic decrease in total cell andneutrophil number demonstrating both efficacy and biological coverage ofthe target receptor.

In Table 2 (below), structures and activity are provided forrepresentative compounds described herein. Activity is provided asfollows for the chemotaxis assay as described above: +, 20 μM>IC₅₀>100nM; ++, IC₅₀≦100 nM.

TABLE 2 Avg Mig IC50 (nM) Com- pound number

+ 1.001

++ 1.002

+ 1.003

++ 1.004

+ 1.005

++ 1.006

+ 1.007

++ 1.008

++ 1.009

++ 1.010

++ 1.011

+ 1.012

+ 1.013

+ 1.014

+ 1.015

+ 1.016

+ 1.017

+ 1.018

+ 1.019

+ 1.020

+ 1.021

++ 1.022

+ 1.023

+ 1.024

++ 1.025

+ 1.026

+ 1.027

++ 1.028

+ 1.029

+ 1.030

+ 1.031

++ 1.032

+ 1.033

+ 1.034

+ 1.035

+ 1.036

+ 1.037

+ 1.038

+ 1.039

+ 1.040

+ 1.041

++ 1.042

+ 1.043

++ 1.044

++ 1.045

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound selected from the group consisting of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, rotamer orN-oxide thereof.
 2. A compound selected from the group consisting of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, rotamer orN-oxide thereof.
 3. A compound having the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, rotamer orN-oxide thereof.
 4. A compound having the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, rotamer orN-oxide thereof.